Ballinode ICA was formed in October 1983 and has currently 27 members. We meet in Tydavnet Community Centre on the 2nd Thursday of every month where we have our monthly business meeting, followed by a talk or demonstration. Activities include, line dancing, yoga, social activities, charity fundraising and crafts such as crochet and knitting. Below is a list of activities that are currently on the go.

Ballinode ICA demonstrations and talks 2012/2013

The new season got off to a good start on thursday 5th Sept when Catherine McGregor gave a most enjoyable and entertaining talk on decluttering your wardrobe and colour me beautiful

Thursday 11th October at 8pm Gretta McCarron our digital switchover champion for Co.Monaghan gave some last minute information to the public in Tydavnet Community Centre regarding the switchover to digital viewing which took place on the 24th October 2012.

Thursday 8th November  Wilma Simpson from JP Florists Park street gave us a wonderful demonstration on flower arranging. She made three exceptionally beautiful Christmassy themed centre pieces and a candle arrangement with fresh fruit and cinnamon sticks. Louise McKenna was chosen to assist Wilma and did a great job with her oasis and candle arrangement which she got to keep. It really was a good night’s craic and we learned lots of tips on how to handle fresh cut flowers and we may all chance our hand at doing a wee arrangement for ourselves. Otherwise we can leave it to the professional and I guarantee we’d not be disappointed with a floral presentation from JP Florists Park Street Monaghan. We remember with gratitude when she so generously gave of her time when we did our charity evening in September 2011 with proceeds going to MS Monaghan and Hospice Homecare.

Thursday 13th December Jill Condell joins us for Cake Decorating which will also have a seasonal theme so come along and enhance or learn new skills in this art.

Thursday 10th January we welcome Stella Keogh who will give some important information on First Aid.

Thursday 14th February it’s down to diet and healthy eating when Aideen McEneaney gives a talk. Time to work off the winter excess.

Thursday 14th March Philip McCabe from citizens information will be with us and hopefully we will be informed about all our entitlements.

Thursday 11th April  AGM night.

Thursday 9th May will see Brian McDonald historian visit our guild. Subject of talk yet to be arranged.

Thursday 13th June Get on your walking shoes for our charity/fun walk

On Saturday 29th September 15 of us travelled to the ICA education college ‘An Grianán’ to do some line dancing and cookery and on Saturday 27th October we travelled to the Millennium Forum in Derry to see the musical Chicago. Line dancing classes commenced on 23rd October 2012 in Tydavnet cc and finishes on 27th November. These classes were supported by Monaghan Sports Partnership and Kathleen Kavanagh is keeping us on our toes. Classes very much enjoyed by all.  Thanks to the VEC and Go for Life Grant scheme we hope to start a yoga class on the 6th December in Tydavnet cc .

New members are always welcome. Just come along to our meetings on the above dates. Meetings begin at 8pm in Tydavnet Community Centre.