Stepping back in time

Nenagh Women and Friends Shed hosted 1940s themed dance

By Anna Powell

To mark Positive Ageing Week, Nenagh Women and Friends Shed held a 1940s themed social dance in the New Institute building on Tuesday, September 30.

As expressed by Michelle White, Chairperson of Nenagh Women and Friends Shed, the event was a great success for the club:

“It went really well; it was lovely to get everyone together. People dressed up, it was a 1940s tea dance, and we had some old music,” said Michelle White.

Running from September 26 to October 3, Positive Ageing week aims to celebrate the power of connection across different generations. As part of this week, community groups are encouraged to host a Time for Tea coffee morning to encourage people to connect, share and be a part of a community.

Nenagh Women and Friends Shed hosted their ‘Taste of Time, Tea Dance’, to put their own spin on this positive aging week initiative.

Importance of Sheds

As expressed by the club’s chairperson, groups such as Nenagh Women and Friends Shed can be a great social outlet for people, especially coming into the winter months. “I think it is essential for people’s mental health to be getting out of the house. A lot of members are lonely, I won’t lie,” expressed Michelle as to why groups such as there’s are so important in a community."

Some of the club's members may find that they are going through a tougher time and that sheds are a great way to expand their social circle and build a community.

“It’s company, somebody there and it’s getting out of the house and meeting other people,” expressed Michelle referring to how people get to meet new people in the club while also enjoying new activities. “We have some great ladies in the shed, and they are great to inform other ladies about other things that are on, like gardening and walks,” she continued.

More Social Events to Come

Following the positive feedbackfrom their dance, the group are looking forward to hosting more social events in the future.

“We would love to do it again, it was very positive,” commented Michelle as to how attendees enjoyed the dance.

This social dance was the first time Nenagh Woman’s Shed hosted an event that involved the participation of other clubs and sheds from the county.

“We would love to do something again from maybe another era,” said Michelle. “It was open to everyone, but we also invited other sheds and

community groups to the event as well, it’s great to come together and support each other."

Nenagh Women and Friends Shed

Nenagh Woman’s and Friends Shed meet every Tuesday from 7pm upstairs in the New Institute building in Nenagh. The club is open to any lady who would like to join, regardless of their age.

“Anybody can come along at all,” said Michelle referring to how there are women of various ages and circumstances involved in the group.