Magilligan’s Over 55’s Group Raises Friendship, Fun, and Connection in the Community!

Magilligan residents aged 55 and over are coming together for fun, friendship and community spirit through a new initiative created by Magilligan Community Association.

The community organisation launched a new group catering to the needs of over 55’s, enjoying activities such as board games, quizzes, talks and outings since their inaugural meeting on September 24.

Meeting every Wednesday morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm in the Magilligan Community Centre, the Over 55’s also enjoyed a visit to Derry on the Chatty Train trip for coffee, craic and conversation.

Above: Enjoying a trip on the Chatty Train.

Christine Deeney, Community Development Officer at Magilligan Community Association, explained how the idea for this new social initiative came about.

“We set up the group because we noticed that there was a lack of opportunity and social space for older people to come and gather in a warm and neutral space which is easily accessible,” she said.

“We already had specific craft groups and we also have a warm space group on a Thursday morning but nothing specifically for this age group previously.

“There is a facilitator coming to do a Transform your Trolley scheme and we have received funding from the Clear Foundation to run trips and health and wellbeing activities and crafts.

“Last week we went on the Chatty train to Derry, got the bus over to a café where we had a bite to eat; everyone had their pass so it was affordable, because that is a problem living rurally that everything needs transport.

“We will certainly do that again because it was so well received.

“We also went to the library which had a lot of activities on so we hope to go there again and some people thought we could also go to the Millennium Forum so we are keeping our eye out for shows there too!”

“Our group is female intensive and it was important to them to have the company on the train and go as a group to have security and safety but we are equally looking for more male members!

“We have different things coming up but once a month, we will have food, money was raised at Christmas time for a Christmas dinner and there was a surplus of money, so this is what we said we would do with that money!”

The group continues to grow in numbers and energy each week, offering a warm and welcoming space for over-55s to connect and have fun at a minimal cost of £2 per week.

Theresa Cooke, a member of the group described why the activity and meet up sessions are so enjoyable:

“For starters, it is a warm space, friends, we always get something interesting to talk about and it is something to look forward to!”

Other members of the group shared their enthusiasm about having the chance to connect with others, enjoy some social time, and build new friendships during the weekly sessions.

One participant noted that the group offers an important opportunity to help reduce feelings of isolation in the rural community.

“We enjoy getting out of the house, getting to meet other people, doing activities and getting to know what is going on in the community, because often when you’re in the house, you don’t know what is happening.

“The first few weeks, we were focusing on getting to know one another but today, we had a lady in from COAST giving a talk and next week, we hope to do some cooking.”

Christine highlighted that everyone is welcome to join the group by coming along to the Wednesday morning sessions from 10:30am to 12:30pm at Magilligan Community Centre.

Beyond the Over 55’s group, Magilligan Community Centre also hosts a variety of activities and initiatives, including a community fridge, Friday youth club, parent and toddler group, drop-in coffee mornings, and a special pumpkin patch event on October 26.

For more information about any of these programmes, visit the Magilligan Community Association Facebook page or contact the team via their email magilligancommunity@hotmail.com for details.