Vibrant Caledon community blossoms through being kept ‘in the Loop’
"There’s all these different groups in Caledon but unless you’re following them all individually, you’re not going to hear about them"
There’s no better feeling than being proud of the little patch of soil you call home. Despite flitting away for several years, Caledon woman Katie O’Donoghue, has circled back to the historic village and says, “there’s no place like home”.
The picturesque, rural Tyrone village on the outskirts of Armagh is a bustling hive of activity. Residents are constantly invited to attend groups, meetings and classes all with the overarching purpose of creating a safe, happy and healthy community.
Since returning home, Katie (32) – whose family have lived in the village for 4 generations - has become enmeshed in the infectious community spirit, so much so, that after spotting a potential organisational problem is doing her part to contribute to the greater good.
Said Katie: “I ended up getting asked to go to a Caledon in Bloom meeting and at that meeting I got talking to another girl and she told me she had this Zumba class coming up and I hadn’t heard of it.
“The next day I was talking to a few people at a parent and toddler group and asked if they knew about the Zumba class and they hadn’t heard anything about it either.”
A minor problem that many may overlook. But not for a committed Caledonian like Katie.
She continued: “There’s all these different groups in Caledon but unless you’re following them all individually, you’re not going to hear about them.
“As much as they do put posters and stuff up in the shop most people just overlook that sort of stuff now but when you’re scrolling through your phone you do take more notice.
“I thought if I put all the information on one page it might attract more people and even bring a few in from the surrounding area.”
Thus, ‘Caledon in the Loop’ was born. And - in typical Caledon style - the small, three-week-old Facebook group has taken root and blossomed.
In the relatively short space of time the page has accumulated over 300 followers, a testament to the villagers’ willingness to get involved.
With the 2021 census revealing that a total of 525 residents were living in Caledon and the surrounding area it’s amazing to think that over half that number may already be following.
And, to that end, the page is not just for Caledon’s residents. Whilst the community there is tight-knit Katie believes there are many threads that link Caledon to its surrounding townlands and villages and welcomes anyone from further afield to follow along and join the fun!
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Notice Board
National hearing loss charity RNID are running face to face support sessions for NHS hearing aid users.
Can help with:
new batteries
cleaning and retubing of earmoulds
information on how to look after and fit hearing aids.
signposting to other services.
Where
11A Dobbin Street, Armagh, BT61 7QQ
When
The next session is May 28, 2024 from 1.30pm - 3.30pm.
Contact information
Email Carolyn.Ritchie@rnid.org.uk or Phone 07407 732 106.
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🤔 Conundrum
Well done to those of you who guessed last Tuesday’s conundrum… There’s a percussion instrument in my cuppa!
The answer: Dromintee
Today’s conundrum is this…
Mix Lithium, Sulfur, Sodium and add a pickle at the end
Where in Co Armagh are we talking about?
Any Browne descendents living there brownes were old time miners
Well done Katie, you have added so much to our community in such a short space of time! Thank you for connecting us once again 😁