In the Footsteps of Friendship: The Journey of the Moygownagh Ramblers
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Wandering together through stories, songs, and seasons—our path is lit by community and curiosity.
One of the advantages of being a member of The Moygownagh Rambling House Group, to my mind at least; apart from the social aspect, is the considerate sharing of information about events happening in our parish: local surrounding parishes and towns, or Mayo generally.
Therefore, if someone is aware of an upcoming event, they post it on our Ramblers WhatsApp group chat. Consequently: we can make arrangements to attend an event together as a group; such as, a movie, concert, or lecture. Individually we can attend pursuits, for example; classes or craft demonstrations, in accordance with our own personal preferences, or interest in such social gatherings.
Not all Ramblers attend every event which is understandable: the whole point being, that they have an opportunity to go see, or participate in something they may not otherwise have known was locally available to them.
Over the past two years, since it's inception: the Rambling House Group have attended movies; concerts, lectures which were historical in content, a parish day trip to scenic locations; photographic/art exhibitions, volunteering, a Christmas wreath making demonstration and St. Brigid's Cross making.
Personally: while having enjoyed most of the above mentioned endeavours; I have actively participated in SPARK Your Story; a six week creative writing workshop during last Autumn. Whilst during this Spring of 2025 another Rambler took part in a six week story telling and creative workshop, in association with HeritACT Ballina.
Our Rambling House Group have also been invited to other Rambling House functions. In the Autumn we visited a lovely Rambling House event in Belderrig (Flourish Social Prescribing Mayo) and more recently, we visited a bumper soirée in Keenagh.
Resulting from our trip to "Hooley in Keenagh" the Moygownagh Ramblers Group have benifited from our visit in a practical way also.
It has expanded our own knowledge base: as Sandra, their coordinator, posts us vital information; for example, upcoming locally available grant aid application submission
dates. This allows us ample time to get data and back up documentation organised in a concise and timely manner. We appreciate this kind gesture enormously.
I now follow the Keenagh Heart Safe Community Facebook Page, where a wide range of themes relevant to health: sport, community updates, local photography; historical articles, farming reports, recreational pursuits, and newspaper analysis, are amended at regular intervals. It leaves the Moygownagh Ramblers Group well informed and tuned into current local topics of interest.
All of this interaction with remote groups, helps broaden our prospective on what we, ourselves, could achieve and aspire to in the future.
Resulting from the aforementioned free-flow of information, interesting opportunities to be part of events; outside of the usual range of probabilities, pop up for our Rambling House Group.
We have currently been invited to actively participate, in an Events Management Class, (MSLETB Ballina) "Living Heritage" afternoon on Saturday April 26th in Ballina's Civic Offices; showcasing heritage artifacts such as household items: music records, books, coins, or other memorabilia, which may be of public interest, between the decades spanning 1950-2000.
I have responded to their exhibitors open call. I'm enthusiastically looking forward to "Needle Work in The Home" my first ever exhibition. It should prove to be an interesting if not an exciting afternoon.
Happy Rambling House Anniversary to all of our Members.