Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Celebrate Creativity and the Arts with Waterford’s Bealtaine Festival

May belongs to the Bealtaine festival and this year’s Bealtaine celebrates creativity as we age (over 50’s).
Waterford City Library Service has compiled a jam packed programme of art, dance, digital photography, writing, Spanish, cookery and gardening workshops.  This year, the Bealtaine Festival in the Library Service was launched during WIT New Music Week where enthusiastic singers attended “Everyone Can Sing” workshops.
Michael Connolly of Home Instead Senior Care, which provides home care for Waterford seniors, has welcomed the return of the popular festival and the work of Waterford City Library Service.
Mr. Connolly commented “It is wonderful to see such a diverse and interesting schedule put together specifically for seniors.  One is never too old to learn new skills and enjoy new experiences and that is why it is important to celebrate the marriage of age and creativity.  Age is a state of mind and by pursuing an active lifestyle and availing of the opportunities to learn new skills the mind is kept as inquiring and vibrant as ever.”
“The Waterford City Library Service’s Bealtaine line up has something for everyone.  I would urge all seniors and their families and friends to call into the Library, sign up for a workshop, enjoy the host of events and talks and keep active.”
“Free copies of the Home Instead Senior Care Pensioners Handbook will also be available. This is an invaluable free resource for seniors, their families and caregivers. The handbook provides practical information and advice on issues such as home care and allowances and entitlements. It also boasts a directory of older person's organisations and other useful contacts.”

Jane Cantwell, City Librarian with Waterford City Library added “The Bealtaine Festival is a true celebration of creativity for the young at heart.  From May 1st to May 31st Waterford City Library Service has compiled a programme of events that offers seniors, in particular, the opportunity to learn new skills, discover new talents, try something different and generally enjoy themselves.”
“The theme this year is “what kind of old you want to be?”.  And what better way to celebrate growth and creativity than to get involved in some of the many activities taking place, including art classes, beginner and advanced photography workshops, dance, singing, cookery and even Spanish classes.”
According to Age & Opportunity, which coordinates the festival, an estimated 57,000 people now take part in the Bealtaine festival, making it one of Ireland’s biggest arts festivals.
So, if you are over 50 and are still asking yourself “What kind of old do I want to be?” you can find out more about the selection of free workshops and talks at this year’s Bealtaine Festival.

For further information about the Bealtaine Festival and programme of events, contact Waterford Central Library 051 849975; Ardkeen Library 051 849755 or Brown’s Road Library 051 849845 or visit the Library website at www.waterfordcity.ie/library

To pick up a free copy of the Home Instead Senior Care Pensioners Handbook, just call into any branch of your local library in May or log onto www.homeinstead.ie

No comments:

Post a Comment