Dundalk Women’s Shed enjoy their new venue in Wellington Hall

Dundalk Women’s Shed said they are having a whale of a time since they moved to Wellington Hall. The move was prompted because their numbers forced them to move from Dundalk Gaol which was great but just too small.

In the last month, members have enjoyed a varied programme starting with self defence classes with experienced instructor, Patricia Mc Quillan who taught members plenty of moves to protect themselves in the event of a personal attack.

Then they had a lovely morning with therapist Sandra Gojic, who practices in the Yoga Centre in Williamson’s Mall.

Sandra helped members to relax using creative visualisation drawing pictures from their thoughts followed by a little mindful meditation.

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Then last week they had a change of tempo when member, Brigitte Biekou who is originally from the Cameroon French Colony and speaks fluent French decided to give the group a lesson in holiday French.

Members came to the session dressed in red white and blue or decked out in berets and stripes and Acting Chairperson, Linda Stevens even fished out her fishnets .

The hall was decked out in French flags and bunting; madeleines were served with coffee and talented member, Christina O’Boyle, accompanied the singing and dancing with C’est Sera Sera on her accordion.

This week it was Creative Movement with local dance teacher, May Coyle who showed members how to change mood and relax with simple dance routines.

Next week on Monday 22nd May, the Shed has invited mental health officer, Rosaleen Doyle, to talk about protecting mental health and then on 29th May, it’s party time with the Shed’s closing summer party.

The Shed will close for June, July and August and open again in September, a Dundalk Women's Shed spokesperson said.

Acting Chairperson Linda Stevens said: It has been a whirlwind start to a very successful initiative launched last September by Louth Local Development to help women make social connection and avoid loneliness and isolation.

“Louth Local Development has given us fantastic support and we have a had a hard-working steering committee.

“And it has been rewarding that the members react with such enthusiasm and participate so well. “We should also acknowledge Dundalk Sports Partnership for helping us to get a walking group going and the Town Library for supporting our Book Club.

“And of course, the LMETB have been so helpful making lots of courses available to us.

“It is just wonderful that we have so much support in Dundalk to make the Shed an interesting and enjoyable venture for women from the town and the surrounding area.”

For further information contact Linda Stevens on 086 8241514 or info@dundalkwomensshed.ie