Swarbrigg Brothers perform at Marigold Festival in Mullingar
The third series of the Marigold Festival takes place in the Mullingar Park Hotel on Thursday June 9 (10am-4pm).
This annual event is organised by the Midland Region Committee of Active Retirement Ireland in conjunction with Home Instead Senior Care, the main sponsor. As always, the day promises to be informative, entertaining and great fun.
More than 20 stands will be in the Lir Suite of the hotel, reflecting a wide range of services and products.
The organisers aim to introduce new exhibitors and this year new attendees include Guerin Media, Wheelchair Car Ireland and Colour Image by Sheila Flynn. Popular and regular exhibitors include Whelehans Pharmacy, with free health checks and complementary massage therapy, which is always a big attraction.
Health services include Home Instead Senior Care, Specsavers, Cardiac Care, Specsavers, Hidden Hearing and Step Forward Ireland.
A new feature in 2016 will be the Art and Craft Display – all work carried out by members of Active Retirement Ireland in Westmeath, Longford, Laois and Offaly. Items on view include Bog Oak Carvings, Quilting, Paintings and many other craft items. Author Dolores Keaveney and Teresa Doyle of Bespoke Dolls and Craft will be on hand to add to the creative atmosphere.
A Photo Lab will allow visitors to get a personal or group photograph, clad in 1916 clothing, which should be a fun experience.
Irish TV plan to be around on the day to record events and to speak to attendees.
The morning programme, after official opening and address by Mai Quaid, national president of ARI, and Jonathan Acton, MD of Home Instead Senior Care, Mullingar, includes a talk on Nutrition Tips for Elderly by nutrition students of AIT, Athlone, a witty talk by Mr Acton, and Succession Rights by a local solicitor.
A display of the new and increasingly popular game of Pickle Ball and Go For Life Games by BMBARA, Multyfarnham will take place before lunch. Sweet Tunes take to the stage at 2pm, followed by Eurovision performers Jimmy and Tommy Swarbrigg so that should get everyone singing along!
An array of prizes have been donated for the raffle, which is always popular and well supported and the hosts greatly appreciate this.
A Fashion Show, with males and females from local active retirement associations modelling outfits supplied by Penneys and John A Foy, Mullingar, brings the proceedings to a conclusion.
The free event is open to the public and people of all ages to go along and browse the stands and craft displays, watch the games demonstrations or listen to talks before the entertainment in the afternoon.
All the counties in the midlands have committed to the Age Friendly Programme and each have set up a Public Participation Network which gives a voice to communities, and there will be a stand with information on these structures and services such as the Rural Transport Link.
The Marigold Festival is a celebration of life, a showcase of the creativity among senior citizens and how all activities carried out by ARI contribute to healthy, active ageing while members engage and are respected in their communities.
Jonathan Acton said: “We are delighted to be involved in the Marigold Festival for the third successive year and hope that all who attend on the day will find it informative and entertaining, and I look forward to hearing the Swarbrigg Brothers sing their well known hits from down the years.”
Anne Drury, chairperson of the Midland Region Committee of ARI, added: “The ongoing support of Home Instead Senior Care, Mullingar allows us to host this event and we really appreciate their huge input in ensuring the success of the day so come along and join us on this fun packed day”
For details, contact Jonathan Acton, Home Instead, Mullingar 0879862148 or Anne Drury, Active Retirement Ireland 087 2077078.