A Warm Welcome for all at Third Age Summerhill Open Day
Posted on 21st July 2023
It was sunshine and showers outside at the Third Age Open Day in Summerhill this month, but nothing could dim the warmth of the welcome from CEO Aine Brady and administrators Rosemary Doyle and Maeve Carton, supported by other staff members Established thirty-five years ago this year, Third Age celebrated this milestone by showcasing its range of services to members new and old, while teas, coffees and homemade cakes were served all day. Their A-Z of activities and services includes audiology, chaerobics, chiropody, counselling, drop in centre, library, line dancing, Men & Women’s Shed, reflexology, resource centre, yoga, plus twice-yearly holidays for members.
On Open Day there were free consultations from chiropodist Terry Cooper and audiologist Peter Burke. A reflexology taster from Maeve Carton also proved a popular draw. The rain cleared to allow the planting of a laburnum tree in the front garden - donated by Bernadette Lusk - by two of the centre’s oldest members, Noeleen Pearle and Tom Holmes. ‘We have over 100 members. People dropped in to see what we offer, and we are delighted that some signed up and will join us as new members’, said Rosemary Doyle.
Lane Galvin, Meath’s Rose of Tralee added a touch of glamour to the Open Day. She told the assembled group how she had been attracted to the competition as a child, and now as a 26-year-old she sees it as a vehicle to show the many roles of women. A good example of this herself, she works as a midwife in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, while studying for her master’s degree researching improvements in maternal care. Third Age’s two national programmes were in evidence. SeniorLine, Ireland’s national telephone service for older people had 28,000 callers last year and signed up some new volunteers. Failte Isteach, began in Summerhill, now offers free conversational English classes in every county in Ireland. Visitors also met staff from AgeWell, where trained Companions visit and support older people in Co Meath.
