Kerri visited us during September '06
Thanks to John Kelly for the photo
John has also written an article on Kerri's work in Kenya, click here

We meet every Wednesday afternoon from 1.45pm to 3.45pm. There is always time for chat and fellowship, and each week has an organised programme. And we never go home without afternoon tea! Are you a Senior Citizen, or someone who lives alone and would enjoy the company of others? If so you will be more than welcome at the Club. If you require transport please ring Bobby or Sharon on 92621033 and they will be delighted to add your name to the transport list. Our Club commenced on Wednesday, 4 February 1987 with five members and now we have thirty five members.

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Within the Senior Citizens' Club it was brought to our attention that some people find it difficult (for one reason or another) to visit shopping centres, so we decided to introduce a shopping club which involves a visit to a shopping centre on the third Tuesday in the month.

We have had two 'Shopping Club' outings so far, both to Marks & Spencers at Sprucefield. Marks & Spencer kindly provided us with a complimentary cup of tea/coffee and biscuits in Cafe Revive which we enjoyed while having a good 'natter'. Following our refreshments we were all set for some retail therapy in the main Marks & Spencers store. When we were 'all shopped out' the mini bus collected everyone and as usual the 'craic' was great on the way home!

Now, Monday, 3rd April, was a very special day for me. We visited Ballycarrickmaddy Primary School (my Primary School) for their play 'The Peace Child'. The play was very well acted and the singing which ended with a choir of about 90 children was excellent.

I was very touched to know that the children of Ballycarrickmaddy are learning from their play about other children who live in Uganda. When I was at Ballycarrickmaddy some 75 years ago we did a play but it was a fairy tale.

The school project this year is to raise funds to help build a class room for a school in Uganda. This is one way in which they can say 'thank you' for their own beautiful new school building.

After the play we were entertained to tea or coffee and lovely tray bakes and shortbread some of which had been baked by the pupils.

A lovely time was had by all and a very big thank you to Ballycarrickmaddy for their kind invitation and congratulations and best wishes to the pupils and Miss. Maginnis for a very successful fund raising effort on behalf of Abaana projects in Africa.

A collection of £55 was taken up at the Club on Wednesday, 5th April, to support the Abaana Project. This money was forwarded to the School and in return we received a lovely thank you letter from Miss. Maginnis.

The Senior Citizens and friends were out and about again; this time to visit the Crystal Factory in Tyrone. We met in the Car Park of the Parish Church before embarking on our outward journey and being in the hands of a very careful driver we were able to sit back and relax and enjoy the beauty of the countryside from elevated positions.

Upon reaching our destination we divided into two groups each of which had a guide to instruct us on the history and origin of Tyrone Crystal. This was most interesting and showed the amount of skill and dedication required in the production of each piece.

Tyrone Crystal was started in 1971 by a local priest who wanted to provide employment for the community. The raw material for lead crystal is an ancient blend of silica, sand and lethargy, (the other ingredients are kept secret). It can take 20 odd years to become a qualified employee and every piece of Tyrone Crystal passes through 26 pairs of hands before completion thus ensuring stringent quality control. It is only the prefect items that bear the stamp of Tyrone Crystal. The pieces that do not reach the required standard are rejected and either recycled (given a second chance) or destroyed depending on their faults.

As I listened to the guide I was reminded of our creation and how our Lord saw that 'it was good'.

After we had visited the shop and seen the array of items for sale which ranged from a crystal chandelier to a key ring we made our way into the cafe to enjoy some light refreshments before returning home.

On a beautiful sunny afternoon, 11th May, 2005, our Club members visited Stormont. On arrival we were met and welcomed by Mr. Billy Bell, MLA. Mr. Bell left us in the capable hands of a guide who gave us a very informative guided tour. First we visited the Great Hall with its five chandeliers. The four small chandeliers are replicas of the magnificent centre chandelier which weighs 740 lbs. and was a gift to Northern Ireland from Windsor Castle.
We then proceeded to the Assembly Chamber and to the Senate and finally we were entertained to tea or coffee and biscuits by Mr. Bell.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and we want to thank Mr. Bell for all the arrangements.

The 25th May, 2005 was our Annual Outing. We left the Church Hall at 9.40 a.m. and headed for Larne where we stopped for morning tea or coffee. After coffee we proceeded round the Coast Road to Ballycastle, where 15 ladies and one man had opted to have lunch at the Hotel while the remainder of us went to Romoan P.W.A. where we enjoyed a delicious four course lunch! After lunch we continued our journey to Portstewart. As we approached Dunluce Castle it was lovely to see the banks of primroses in full bloom. We spent two hours in Portstewart shopping and eating ice cream. We left Portstewart and headed to Aghadowey P.W.A. for our high tea of salad, home cooked turkey and home boiled ham followed by home baked wheaten bread, scones and pancakes and a dessert. Everything was excellent! When we were leaving Aghadowey one of our visitors said, ‘We have had a very enjoyable day - good fellowship, good food, good coach, good driver - never mind the rain’.
The ladies of Aghadowey had ‘Handy Hints and Recipes’ books for sale so some of the lovely desserts we had may turn up in Magheragall. Meanwhile here are some useful summer hints - for wasp sting, apply vinegar and for bee sting, apply baking soda.