Adare Women’s 2020 Club – Covid Initiative

Description

During an interlude in the pandemic Covid – 19 a small group of local women got together to support one an another after being cocooned for many many weeks. Meet ups were at local cafes in an out door setting while enjoying coffee, chats and catch ups. Weather permitting take out beverages were enjoyed strolling in the park while studying all that glorious nature has to offer. The idea of a ladies / women’s club was bandied about with serious thought given to it.. As the weeks went by an interim committee was elected, name suggestions were on the agenda – The name chosen “Adare Women’s 2020 Club” (2020 a significant date)
The drive was on to find a meeting room asap. a lease of a room in the village community hall become available at significant rent, adding to the rent was public labiality insurance.
Thoughts turned to fundraising, a Pop up Curiosity shop seemed like a good option, members and friends donated items from bric a brac to designer items, clothes and furniture, next a pub table quiz and raffle was also well supported earning significant funds to help get the club off the ground. Thanks to local shops, businesses and members for their continued support. We thank the public bodies also for their funding support.

The hard work then began to clean, paint and decorate the meeting room, many items of furniture, china. books were donated to make our meeting place the haven it is today.
The club meets up to 4 days a week, something to suit most tastes. Our Mission – the promotion of optimum health and wellbeing among women of mainly over sixty by keeping physically, mentally and socially active.
The club meets up to 4 days a week, something to suit most tastes e.g. Aerobics, many crafts, nutrition, card playing, book club, flower and garden group, speakers, Eco Therapy nature walks kindly sponsored by our library. Friendly Friday walks along the winding banks of the river Maigue, gazing into the swirling waters below at the wildlife and birds and bees as they shuffle protecting and feeding their hatchlings. The well earned cuppa isn’t forgotten before heading home to do the afternoon chores.

In 2023 the hosting of some Ukrainian families at our club once a week for six weeks gave us an insight into their lives escaping from their homes and settling in Ireland. Enjoyed walks with refreshments around our village, afternoon tea in our club room in which members treated them to refreshments with delicious tray bakes. A highlight was a visit to the Desmond Castle accompanied by a local tour guide, club members Margaret, Carl and Mary were at hand to answer any questions though their interpreter Kasinia.

Aim of Initiative

A support group for women in our village and locality.

Who is it aimed at

Generally women over 60 years old, some members are in their 80’s with the average age being in the region of 70 years.

3 Steps critical to success

1. A meeting place for our club for an extended period of time while our listed village hall is being refurbished from the Spring of 2025
2. Government grants and supports
3. Extra Age Friendly parking spaces close to doctors surgeries, libraries and health clinics.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Extend fuel allowance from September To May. This summer could do with heat most nights.
2. Double increase pensions in budget to help cover costs of groceries, telephone, electricity etc.
3. Lower car tax and insurance for people on lower fixed incomes

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. A better quality of life for older people especially those living alone in isolated parts of the country.
2. Extra home help for those who need it most in society.
3. Warm homes with extra fuel allowance September to May