ACTIVITY AND EVENT HISTORY
This page will list all recent and past years activities and events
Events and Meetings
| Year | Date | Event/Meeting | Venue | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | Tuesday, 5 September 2023 | SEPTEMBER MEETING SPEAKER Bonnie Cooper | Connect | ALL THINGS CHINESE. Bonnie came to N Ireland as a University student, met her future husband, and has been here for 20+ years. She has a well-established business and offers courses to Chinese citizens, and others interested in learning about Chinese Culture, The Language, The Food, and The Festivals. To put the icing on the cake Bonnie brings pre-prepared "eats". |
| 2023-2024 | Tuesday, 3 October 2023 | OCTOBER MEETING SPEAKER Adrian Morrow | Connect | "TALES FROM THE CASTLE" Adrian is the Managing Director of Antrim Estates Company/Glenarm Castle and is renowned for his informative and humorous talks. He has over 30 years of experience in Estate and Land Management, Tourism and Events, Hospitality, and Agriculture. This enables Adrian to drive the introduction of new projects and keep the business going. forward. |
| 2023-2024 | Tuesday, 7 November 2023 | EVENT INFORMATION DAY - EXHIBITORS | Connect | INFORMATION DAY WITH LOCAL EXHIBITORS (20+ exhibits) Bu3a INFORMATION DESK North Community Transport Make-The-Call Service Good Morning Causeway Kennedy's Pharmacy Kilrea Home Heating Advice, CC&Glens B Council WAVE, Caring for Victims and Survivors Bu3a BOOK SHARE |
| 2023-2024 | Tuesday, 5 December 2023 | EVENT CHRISTMAS LUNCH | To be decided/confirmed | CHRISTMAS LUNCH - FIRST TUESDAY IN DECEMBER Meeting for lunch provides members with an opportunity to socialise, meet other members, and have some good food, fun, and company. The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine, is one of our most popular venues at Christmas. NB: Eileen Richmond will provide members with details well in advance of the event. Guests welcome! |
| 2023-2024 | Tuesday, 2 January 2024 | JANUARY MEETING SPEAKER Sir Paul Girvan | Connect | HIGH COURT JUDGE, Rt Hon Sir Paul Girvan was educated at Larne Grammar School, Belfast Royal Academy, Clare College, Cambridge, and Queen's University, Belfast. Called to the bar of Northern Ireland, in the early 70’s he went on to have a distinguished career, receiving a knighthood on his appointment as a Justice of the High Court of Northern Ireland. He has served as Chairman of the Law Reform Advisory Committee, and the Land Registration Committee. |
| 2023-2024 | Tuesday, 6 February 2024 | FEBRUARY MEETING SPEAKER Eddie Lynch | Connect | COMMISSIONER FOR OLDER PEOPLE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND The Commissioner's primary role is "to safeguard and promote the rights of older people and to provide advice to government on policy, practice and legislative issues that affect older people". Making recommendations for improving the care home sector, providing regular advice to the government during the pandemic, and continuing to advocate for older people are part and parcel of his role. Q&A SESSION TO FOLLOW. |
| 2023-2024 | Tuesday, 5 March 2024 | MARCH MEETING SPEAKER Chris Calderwood | Connect | COAST (CAUSEWAY OLDER ACTIVE STRATEGIC TEAM) COAST is an inter-agency partnership that aims to improve the health and well-being of those aged 60 and over in the CC&G Borough Council area. Holding bi-annual forums and large networking events, ensures the voices of older people are heard. COAST'S Bu3a visit will provide an insight into the various services available. Q&A SESSION |
| 2023-2024 | Tuesday, 2 April 2024 | APRIL MEETING SPEAKER David McKeown | Connect | "FROM VET TO LIFE COACH - AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY " David doesn’t believe in ‘retirement’ and is currently in his 4th career. Many will know him as a vet in North Antrim. After 25 years, in his late 40’s, he moved to the challenging role as Executive Director of a Cheshire-based Insurance Company. Nowadays he is the Director of the Samaritans charity and is a qualified Coach. His talk to u3a will focus on anxiety/stress management and the power of various techniques. |
| 2023-2024 | Tuesday, 7 May 2024 | MAY MEETING AGM and ENTERTAINMENT | Connect | ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. - followed by entertainment YOUR ATTENDANCE AT THE AGM IS VERY IMPORTANT, as a quorum of 20% of the membership must be present. AGENDA 1 Apologies for Absence 2 Minutes from previous AGM 3 Presentation of Reports 4 Election of Officers 5 Election of Committee members. AFTER THE AGM BUSINESS HAS CONCLUDED, ENTERTAINMENT will be provided by “SCAD THE BEGGARS “. |
| 2023-2024 | Tuesday, 4 June 2024 | ANNUAL OUTING TO GLENARM CASTLE | GLENARM CASTLE AND GROUNDS | ANNUAL OUTING - GLENARM CASTLE AND GROUNDS Tuesday 4 June 2024 COST £26.50 (including guided castle tour). Contact Eileen at: helpeventsbu3a@gmail.com TRAVEL BY COACH Seats re limited to 49 and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. |
| 2024-2025 | Tuesday, 3 September 2024 | Monthly meeting | Connect building | Speaker. Brian Rankin Comical poetry and story telling |
| 2024-2025 | Tuesday, 1 October 2024 | Monthly meeting | Connect building | Information day with lots of exhibitors |
| 2024-2025 | Tuesday, 5 November 2024 | Monthly meeting | Connect building | John Pinkerton: Talk on Holland and Germany Battlefields |
| 2024-2025 | Tuesday, 3 December 2024 | Monthly meeting | Local Hotel. TBC | Christmas Lunch |
| 2024-2025 | Tuesday, 7 January 2025 | Monthly meeting | Connect building | PSNI - Judith Lavery: crime prevention |
| 2024-2025 | Tuesday, 4 February 2025 | Monthly meeting | Connect building | Osborne Family: Air Ambulance |
| 2024-2025 | Tuesday, 4 March 2025 | Monthly meeting | Connect building | Diana Mc Clelland: Family history |
| 2024-2025 | Tuesday, 1 April 2025 | Monthly meeting | Connect building | Zara Hutchinson: Ballymoney Community Fridge |
| 2024-2025 | Tuesday, 6 May 2025 | Monthly meeting | Connect building | Annual General Meeting: Afterwards ‘Scad the Beggars’ will entertain us with an ensemble of musical items. |
| 2024-2025 | Tuesday, 3 June 2025 | Annual Outing | TBC | The annual outing will visit places of interest using a coach, complete with a meal. |
| 2025-2026 | Tuesday, 2 September 2025 | RLNI | Connect | Mark Mitchel. The charity that saves lives at sea. RNLI Volunteer lifeboat crews have to be ready to answer the call to rescue 24 hours a day 365 days a year. When the pager goes off you know that someone is in desperate of rescue. |
| 2025-2026 | Tuesday, 7 October 2025 | Information Day | Connect | Lots of exhibitors who will demonstrate or show their examples of what they do eg Specsavers, Chemist in Rasharkin, Coast, Fire prevention, Security, etc |
| 2025-2026 | Tuesday, 4 November 2025 | Musical entertainment | Connect | A musical entertainment will be provided. Group TBC |
| 2025-2026 | Tuesday, 2 December 2025 | Anniversary Lunch | Royal Court Hotel | This is our 10th Anniversary , where members can enjoy Lunch at a discount. There will be musical entertainment provided. |
| 2025-2026 | Tuesday, 6 January 2026 | Pearl Hutchinson | Connect | Pearl will talk about her interest in History and especially Garvagh Museum and Heritage Centre which is home to almost three thousand artefacts. |
| 2025-2026 | Tuesday, 3 February 2026 | Ulster Wildlife Trust | Connect | Bringing Nature Back. The wildlife trust play a very important part in protecting our natural heritage. They focus on protecting habitats restoring ecosystems and supporting wildlife population. |
| 2025-2026 | Tuesday, 3 March 2026 | Alison Chestnutt | Connect | The Milk Hutt, is a family run dairy farm outside Portrush. They have been farming 1913. The Milk Hut is set up so the public can come and buy our delicious Farm Fresh Milk through a vending machine run by William and Alison Chestnutt. |
| 2025-2026 | Tuesday, 7 April 2026 | Siobhan Casey | Connect | Commissioner for Older People. The commissioner may examine a case of an older person in relation to a matter. Following her investigation she must produce a report and may make a recommendation. |
| 2025-2026 | Tuesday, 5 May 2026 | AGM | Connect | Final accounts and Minutes from last AGM. Followed by musical entertainment TBC |
| 2025-2026 | Tuesday, 2 June 2026 | Annual Outing | TBC | None at this moment. |
Activities
| Year | Activity | Day/Time | Venue | Leader | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | Art for Fun | 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm | Ballymoney Community Resource Centre, Acom Business Centre, 2 Riada Ave, Ballymoney BT53 7LH | Margaret Admins: Ted and Mabel | Have you an artistic eye? Margaret a specialist Artist who can inspire you to use your skills to produce pictures, etc. |
| 2024-2025 | Bridge | Monday 2.30 pm - 4.30 pm | Ballymoney Community Resource Centre, Acom Business Centre, 2 Riada Ave, Ballymoney BT53 7LH | Kathleen | Bridge is a mindsport and a great game, a social pastime enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It is a fascinating game with 4 people at each table. North and South are partners as is East and West. The purpose is for each couple to outdo the others by gaining more points. |
| 2025-2026 | Bridge | Monday weekly 2.30 pm - 4.30 pm | Ballymoney Community Resource Centre, Acom Business Centre, 2 Riada Ave, Ballymoney BT53 7LH | Kathleen/Paul | Bridge is a mindsport and a great game, a social pastime enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It is played with four people around a table, North and South are partners as is East and West. The cards are dealt to each person, the purpose is for each couple to outdo the others by gaining more points. |
| 2025-2026 | Chair Yoga | 13/27 Oct 10/24 Nov 1.00 pm - 2.00 pm | 11 Townhead Street, Ballymoney BT53 6BE | Shauna Admin: Clare | Chair yoga is a modified form of yoga that involves practising poses and breathing exercises. It is a gentle and effective fitness option and can reduce stress, improve posture, whatever is your goal. |
| 2025-2026 | Coffee catchup TBC | Last Friday each month 10.00 am -12.00 pm | As advised by Activity Leader | TBC | Going out for coffee to enjoy companionship, socialising and catching up with U3a friendships over a cuppa. |
| 2023-2024 | COMPUTERS, IPADS, TECHNOLOGY | Wednesday 10.30 am - 12:00 pm | Ballymoney Community Resource Centre, Acom Business Centre, 2 Riada Ave, Ballymoney BT53 7LH | Michael | Tuition is available for IPAD's, Apple and Android based mobile phones and Microsoft Windows based computers. Subjects covered include: basic how to use; apps such as e-mail; security and for Windows users Microsoft Office products such as Word processing. Participants should have their own devices. |
| 2025-2026 | Crafts | 3rd Tuesday each month 2.30 pm - 4.00 pm | 2 -10 Model School Road, Ballymoney BT53 6BH | Sally | Meet together to use your artistic skills to produce many things such as, decoupage, decorating lampshades, flower pots, Christmas paraphernalia and more. A good opportunity to enjoy socialising with like minded people. |
| 2025-2026 | Creative Writing | 3rd Tuesday 12.30 pm - 2.00 pm | 2 -10 Model School Road, Ballymoney BT53 6BH | Anne | Members meet to share stories be they fiction, memoirs or autobiography in a supportive and friendly environment. The most important aspects of the group are the enjoyment of writing different themes and topics. |
| 2025-2026 | Dancercise | Thursday 2nd/4th- Nov 13/20/27 12 noon to 1:00 pm | 11 Townhead Street, Ballymoney BT53 6BE | Anne Admin: Sandra | A system of dancing done as an exercise to increase physical fitness. It is a fun way to improve fitness, coordination an even mental sharpness. |
| 2025-2026 | Dander Group | 3rd Wed 10 am 19 Nov Drumaheglis Marina New Activity | As advised by Activity Leader | Karen and Tony | A walking group or social group with a focus on mental health and well-being. Can involve walking at a relaxed pace allowing participants to chat and connect with one another |
| 2025-2026 | Family History | 3rd Tuesday each month 10.30 am - 12.0 pm | 2 -10 Model School Road, Ballymoney BT53 6BH | John | Researching family records of relationships among family members. Visiting PRONI and other places of historical interest. Studying the local history in the Ballymoney area. It incorporates cultural and social aspects of history. |
| 2023-2024 | GARDENING | 3rd Thursday each month 2.00 pm onwards | Ballymoney Community Hub, Robinson Hospital Site | Geoff/Davy | Having some workshops - seed sowing, plant swaps or videos. Mostly going on visits to open gardens. |
| 2025-2026 | Gardening | 3rd Thursday each month Starting at 2.00 pm | Ballymoney Community Hub, Robinson Hospital Site | Frances/Kathleen | Visits to various gardens - Downhill, Benvarden, Gaults,. The highlight was Mount Stewart and then recently Spring Hill. We also have demonstrations of taking cuttings, pruning roses, planting seeds and tasting edible weeds. |
| 2023-2024 | GOLF | Thursday weekly Starting 10.00 am | As advised by Activity Leader | Donal/Paul | The group meets each week at different golf courses. mainly Benone. They also organise a two day golf holiday twice a year. |
| 2024-2025 | Golf | Thursday weekly 10.0 am tee off | As advised by Activity Leader | Donal and Paul | Golf is a game played on a large open-air course in which a small ball is struck with a club into a series of small holes. A very popular sport, meeting at different venues. The group go on a break to Donegal twice a year to practice their skills. |
| 2025-2026 | Golf | Every Thursday 10.00 am | As advised by Activity Leader | Donal | Golf is a game played on a large open air course in which a small ball is struck with a club into a series of small holes. A very popular sport meeting at different venues mainly Benone. The group go on a break twice a year to Donegal to practice their skills. |
| 2024-2025 | IT | Wednesdays 10.30 am - 12.0 pm | Ballymoney Community Resource Centre, Acom Business Centre, 2 Riada Ave, Ballymoney BT53 7LH | Michael | Learning how to use computer, iPad or tablet to best use covering aspects as requested |
| 2024-2025 | Line Dancing | Every Wednesday 1.30 pm - 3.0 pm | As advised by Activity Leader | Margaret | Line dancing is a choreographed dance where a group of people perform a series of steps in time with music. |
| 2025-2026 | Line Dancing | Wednesday Weekly to end Nov 12:45 pm - 1.45 pm | 4a Queen Street, Ballymoney. BT53 6JA | Margaret Admins: Sarah and Fern | Line dancing is a choreographed performance where a group of people perform a series of steps in line with music. |
| 2023-2024 | OUT TO LUNCH | 3rd Friday each month 12.30 pm for 1.00 pm. | As advised by Activity Leader | Eileen | Meeting at various restaurants for great food, and good company. |
| 2024-2025 | Out to Lunch | 3 rd Friday each month 12.30 pm for 1.0 pm | As advised by Activity Leader | Eileen | A very popular event when members are invited to go for lunch to different venues each month. A great opportunity to spend a lunch time socialising, chatting and experiencing the cuisine at different hotels. |
| 2025-2026 | Out to Lunch | 3rd Friday each month 12.30 pm for 1.00 pm. | As advised by Activity Leader | Eileen | A very popular event when members are invited to go out for lunch to different venues each month. A great opportunity to spend lunch time socialising, chatting and experiencing the cuisine at different hotels. |
| 2025-2026 | Reading Group | 2nd Tuesday each month 10.30 am - 12.00 pm | 2 -10 Model School Road, Ballymoney BT53 6BH | Margaret | Get together to read prescribed books followed by discussions at the next meeting. There are two kinds of people in this world - those who think it could never happen to them and those who know it will…….. a quotation from one of the books read. |
| 2023-2024 | STORY TELLING | 2nd Monday of each month 11.00 am - 1.00 pm | Ballymoney Community Hub, Robinson Hospital Site | Mary/George | Some very intriguing stories are told in this group, with each member imparting their knowledge or relating their childhood memories perhaps. |
| 2025-2026 | Storytelling | Monday (once per month (as advised) 11 am | Ballymoney Community Hub, Robinson Hospital Site | Mary McCusker | Storytelling is the act of telling or writing stories, which are narratives that typically have a beginning, middle, and end. It is a universal human experience that transcends cultures and has been practiced since ancient times. The earliest forms of storytelling can be traced back to cave drawings and oral traditions, which served to convey experiences, morals, and cultural values. |
| 2025-2026 | Tai Chi 1 and Tai Chi 2 | Monday 17/24 Nov G1 11:15am to12:15amG2 12:20 to 13:20 pm | 33 Garryduff Rd, Ballymoney BT53 7DB | Chang Hai Admins: Sarah and Don | A Chinese marital art that combines flowing movements, meditation and deep breathing. It is used for health benefits like improved balance, mobility and coordination. |
| 2025-2026 | Walking Rugby | 2nd Wednesday 10 Sept; 15 Oct; 12Nov 10.00 am - 11.00 am | 4a Queen Street, Ballymoney. BT53 6JA | Uel Admin: Heaney | Walking rugby is a non-contact, slower-paced version of Rugby Union, designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all ages. Players must walk while carrying the ball, and a two-handed touch to the upper torso, (replaces tackling) in other words having fun. |