Cloughmills Golden Oldies

BACKGROUND

Cloughmills is a village in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, 12 miles from Ballymena. It had a population of 1,240 people in the 2001 Census. It is within the Ballymoney Borough Council area.

The demographics of Cloughmills has greatly altered since the 2001 census with an population now estimated 10,000 and beyond due to large scale housing developments. Local people feel that the status of Cloughmills is due to change from village to small town.

Cloughmills Golden Oldies is the only club in the area serving the needs of the over 60s age bracket. The club provides a focus for older people and a purpose to get out of the house and socialise with like and diverse minded people. 60 individuals attend a weekly 2 hour lunch time meeting with activities, speakers, hospitality and craic.
The group is self financing. There is a small weekly and annual subscription fee to pay to become a member. Members also pay for their trips at negotiated and concession rates which the club makes available.

The Management Committee hold monthly meetings to address correspondence and discuss action planning.

The decisions are made by the individuals benefiting after consultation at the weekly club meetings and bookings can then be made. The important thing is that people have a say in what activities or what speakers they would like to visit their club.


ACTIVITIES

The group plays games during their weekly lunch time meetings eg: bingo, bowls ect. And brings in speakers to discuss pertinent older people issues. The speakers give presentation on subjects relevant to the older citizens eg: pension schemes, benefits, community safety, electricity hazards and energy efficiency, environmental eg: recycling, exercise, healthy eating etc. and individuals gain knowledge and direction on how to economise, how to report crime, how to stay healthy etc.



Other activities include monthly outings, which compounds the purpose for the group in that many individuals would not be in a position to ever step outside and broaden horizons. Outings can be arranged within N Ireland, within UK and cross border into Ireland. The outings are mainly educational visits to places of interest but they enable older people to adapt to change and be independent from their families and to take control of their lives. It is empowering individuals on a monthly basis.

Other activites include charitable work where again the club provides a goal to be achieved to raise money for selected charities within the area and/or national charity appeals. Eg: knitting blankets for blind children in eastern europe. Charitable giving also continues if a member should die and all contributions for flowers goes to a charity of their choice.

The club also provides a Savings scheme which offers secure community banking for individual members at 0% interest. This forms a vital service to members who request money within a said notice period and the account ensures an accessible float to meet demands but unlike any other lending facility there is no interest charged.


PROJECTS

Per annum the group would organise at least 11 trips: 9 within Northern Ireland and 2 outside eg: 5 day excursion to Scarborough; 4 day trip to Scotland. Trips would be organised with trips within a trip to sight see, visit museums, visit churches/ cathedrals, etc.

Other activities include seasonal outings, dinners, charitiable events eg: sponsored walk, craft work etc.

The Club has been working on plans for new premises. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 60 due to current premises. The Club could attract more members particularly in view of the population explosion and has been under negotiations with Council to locate land and/or premises for a new venue.



CONTACT

Mr. RE Yeomans
16 Mounthill Drive
Cloughmills
BT44 9QX

Tel: 028 2763 8112

Email : ronnyxx@yahoo.com