Huge turnout as 1428 Club marks 25 years
Around 150 people turned out to celebrate 25 years of the 1428 Active Retirement Club, who held a gathering in the Annebrook House Hotel on Wednesday last week.
“The club was set up in 1998 by a local man, Jack Kiernan,” explained Debbie Daly, manager of the 1428 Club. “He got a few people together, and some of those who are here today were here on day one.
“The club started off in a hired room, then we hired a premises and we’ve moved a couple of times since. We fundraised and saved and in 2014, we were able to buy our own premises, which we’re in now, on Harbour Street, and that’s where all of activities take place.
“We hire local premises for days like today because we just wouldn’t have the room. We had representatives all the different active retirement groups from all across Westmeath here today, the likes of Castlepollard, Coole, Delvin, Tyrrellspass, Kinnegad, down as far as Athlone. We had a few games of bingo to start the ball rolling, and a bite to eat, a raffle, and everyone just had a great chat and a great time. The members loved meeting others from around the county. So yeah, 25 years is a long time on the go and we’re gaining more members all the time,” she finished.
Members had high praise for Debbie, who they say is a “Trojan worker”. Several said the success of the 1428 Club comes down to “friendship”.
Marie Greene said: “I’d like to thank Debbie and her staff, she’s there for us all year round, it’s not just today, it’s every day. She’s there for everybody in the club, and so are the staff. She’s really given us a great day out, all the clubs that came to join us had a lovely time.
“I’ve been involved in the 1428 Club for around eight years,” Marie said. “It’s open five days a week, and there’s lots of activities, like coffee mornings, bingo, exercise classes, cookery, computers, Irish speaking, there’s quite a lot that goes on. And everybody’s welcome.
“We’re based on Harbour Street, so it’s central to everything, and you can drop in any time and have a cup of tea, you don’t even have to be a member. If you’re in town and you fancy a chat, everyone’s welcome to drop in.”
“I’m in the club now a good couple of years and I can honestly say that when you’re reaching your late years, it’s the best thing you can do,” said Patricia Kelly, “to join and socialise. I’ve been here a few years now and I’ve really made some good friends, and I think when you make great friends, you’re gaining something. Especially for anyone over 70, like myself, but people under 70 can come as well.
“You really do meet nice people – people who are genuine and they look after one another. We’re all happy, there’s nobody miserable and we make one and other happy, and the days that you’re feeling down, you just meet your friends and it gives you a boost.”
Plans are already being made for a day out to Lough Owel Pitch and Putt Club, for competitions, a walk by the lake, and refreshments.