Ballinasloe Active Retirement Goes to Europe!

This seminar was part of programme being developed by Marian Harkin. M.E.P. Marian is co-founder and co-President of the Parliament Interest Group on Volunteering. This was a crucial concrete first step taken by the European Commission that will bring volunteering into the EU policy arena to recognise,value and support over 100 million volunteers across the EU.
Marian Harkin along with four other MEPs from Germany, Greece,Poland and Portugal launched a Written Declaration calling on the European Commision to announce 2011 as the European Year on Volunteering The European Year of Volunteering will compliment and provide a structured link to 2012 as the European Year on Active Aging and Intergenerational Solidarity.

Douglas Rafter

Doing the Polka in Prague

47 members of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association recently enjoyed a wonderful three day break in the beautiful city of Prague. They went on long guided walks through the cobblestoned streets taking in all the principal sights. It was an interactive history lesson in which the buildings, monuments, streets and personalities of Prague told the caDoing the Polka in Pragueptivating story of a city through time. Exhausted from the heat, they attended a lunchtime concert in the cool of the enchanting Prague Castle. Food for the mind and soul, it was a wonderful experience. The figures on the Astronomical Clock performed their hourly rituals as the group sipped their lattes and enjoyed the local delicacies i.e. apple strudel in a nearby cafe. It was then on to the Child of Prague Church and the iconic Charles Bridge offering majestic city views. The highlight of the trip was a Dinner/Cruise By night on the river Vltava. It was a fun-filled night with music, song and dance. A fantastic fireworks display added to the magic of the evening. Ann danced the Czech polka with a tall handsome young local man. Gradually the entire got into the swing of things and a great night was had by all. On the final day, the group toured the countryside and visited a magnificent showroom displaying precious stones, jewellery and crystal . However, the smaller souvenir shops were more suited to their pockets! With aching muscles, they touched down on Irish soil tired but happy. All members feel grateful that the Active Retirement Association provided them with the opportunity to travel and continue to enjoy life as a group.