Ballycastle >Clubs & Societies

Women's Group

 

Chairperson: Maeve Dunne

Vice Chairperson: Mauretti Bn Uí Flathartha

Secretary: Kathleen McDonnell

Treasurers: Mary Jackson, Mary Walsh

P.R.O.: Florrie McBrien

Ballycastle Women's Group, comprising women from Ballycastle and surrounding areas was formed in June 1996. They opened the 'Dún Briste' Art & Crafts Shop in 1997 specialising in local hand-made products. This is situated in the Resource Centre on Main Street and is open daily. They have designed their own Logo featuring 'Dún Briste' ( a majestic sea stack at nearby Downpatrick Head) and goods bearing this Logo are now in stock.

The Group obtained funding for the purchase of a photocopier, fax machine and computer with Internet Access and those facilities are available to the public. They also obtained funding for a library of books on health issues and for talks and seminars on women's health.

During the winter months, the group usually meet on Thursday nights and have held various talks, craft demonstrations, courses and social events. They also hold fund-raising Table Quizzes and have gone on a few outings including a guided tour of Tír Saile Sculpture Trail.

In 1999, the group designed and completed a wall hanging of 28 knitted squares with a design in Swiss Darning and initialled by each individual member. In 2004, the group completed a Patchwork & Appliqué Quilt which was raffled to raise funds for the group. In 2005, the group made a Patchwork Quilt (different design) which was again raffled on the June Bank Holiday weekend. 

The Art Group held their 12th exhibition on Saturday 29th July 2005 in the Resource Centre Gallery. They had classes in Watercolour painting in November/December 2005, with Bernie O'Meara, and those paintings will be exhibited in Moygownagh Community Centre in June 2006. Painting and Drawing classes, with Áine O'Connor, began in January and the group will hold an exhibition of their work at the end of July/beginning of August (date to be arranged).