Ballingeary ICA makes most of surge in new memberships
It all began when member Siobhán Brennan — who has a flair for cooking — held some cookery demos at the school house. “The demonstrations were very popular, especially as everyone who attended got to sample the food. Some of the newcomers who attended were invited to come along to our guild meetings,” says Ballingeary PRO Alice Blake.
When Jenny Kiely revamped the school house, creating a modern, spacious area with well equipped kitchen and facilities, it attracted yet more members to ICA meetings, which are held on the first Wednesday of the month. Altogether, the guild — set up in the 1970s — has 52 members. “We have at least 10 young mums, who are in their 30s. We’ve got older retired ladies in their 70s, and the newly-retired are also joining up,” says Blake.
Members are involved in activities ranging from aqua-aerobics at the Kilcoran Lodge Hotel to tai chi in the school house, from crafts and dancing classes to hill-walking in the Galtees.
“Word of mouth spread news about our activities,” says Blake. “We saw an increase in membership among women of all ages. Our civil defence first aid course proved popular, as did hill walking activities during summer. Our outings and trips are also popular.”
She has a son aged 16 and a 13-year-old daughter, and signed up for ICA when her youngest child was only a few months old.
“My neighbour, Maura O’Brien, invited me to my first meeting. I was delighted to be invited, as I’d moved to Cahir from Ardmayle near Cashel a few years previously, and it was a great way to get to know the local women. The friendly atmosphere and different speakers appealed to me.”
Blake, 45, who’s married to Philip, lives near Cahir and works part-time in the credit union there. She says Ballingeary ICA lets members get involved at their own pace.
“In between monthly meetings, some of our members meet every week, and bring with them some of their sewing, knitting and crafts. They spend an enjoyable evening chatting while working on their chosen hobby, and are always available to assist members who might like to try something new. There’s a friendly atmosphere at meetings, and because there are speakers at all our meetings, it makes it easier for a shy new member to feel comfortable.”
The guild’s secretary uses webtext and this has revolutionised communication, says Blake.
Visit Ballingeary ICA on the www.ballingearyica.webs.com website.
