Old county council building put to good use by local clubs

 Western Lakes Cycling Club and Ballinrobe Scouts are involved in a unique tie-up in Ballinrobe – they have come together to share a vacant Mayo County Council building on Kilmaine Road, Ballinrobe.

 The Council have kindly agreed to let the cyclists and the scouts use the premises, which was previously used as a factory.

 The two clubs are now using the building for meetings of their members, training classes, and storage. Over 200 people, mainly youngsters, are now enjoying the facility.

 And they have ambitious plans for the exterior of the building, where the cycling club have already developed a grass track and safe-cycling course.

 The scouts plan to teach their members all about camping in the ample space available around the building, which is just underneath the impressive Ballinrobe water towers.

 “The two clubs are delighted to have been given the use of this building and area, and we hope to hold onto it on a more permanent footing for the next few years. The two clubs are working extremely well, and over 200 people, mainly young people, are making great use of this facility,” said a spokesperson for both clubs.

 The cycling club are dubbing it the “Western Lakes CC Centre of Cycling Excellence.”

 The clubs will hold a joint table quiz on Thursday, December 9, in Costello’s, Abbey Street, Ballinrobe, at 9.30am. Some important work needs to be done on the building, including roof repairs. All support would be appreciated.

 Notes for Western Lakes Cycling Club members:

The Sale of Work takes place in Ballinrobe on Sunday, December 5, in Ballinrobe Community School. The club aims to help out in whatever way we can – so if you are available to gather up items for sale on the Saturday, or to help on the stalls on Sunday, it would be much appreciated.

The Annual General Meeting of Western Lakes Cycling Club takes place on Wednesday next, December 1, at 8.30pm in the CBS Parish Centre. The club will review another successful year, and all members are urged to attend.

The third round of the Connacht Cyclo Cross League will take place on Sunday, December 12, in Claremorris. Padraig Marrey (087 7992857) will have full details nearer the date.

Wednesday, December 15, is the provisional date for the presentation of the sponsorship cheque to Croi, following August’s Head2Head challenge. I will be in touch soon with further details.

Keep fit with a difference:

 If you are interested in keeping fit in a new way, you should try Spinning Classes – cycling on a stationary bicycle to music. It is outstanding aerobic exercise, and many people are now trying out the classes at the Scout & Cycling Centre, Kilmiane Road, Ballinrobe, which is literally under the water towers.

 The classes are run by Western Lakes Cycling Club which promotes the sport of cycling for people of all ages. Due to demand, a special Women’s Only class has now been introduced on Thursday nights.

 The times of classes for the coming weeks are: Monday – Mixed Classes, 7.30-8.30pm; Thursdays – Men Only 7.30-8.30pm; Women only 8.30-9.30pm.

 Bicycles will be provided by Western Lakes Cycling Club. Classes cost €7 for adults, €5 for students, and €3 for youths.

Western Lakes Cycling Club is holding a Duck Race on New Year’s Day. The event, which promises to be a thrilling spectacle, will see the owner of the winning duck receive a weekend for two in the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Clifden, which is valued at €450.

 Some other top-class prizes have been provided by Ireland’s School of Falconry, Ashford Castle; Broderick’s Electrical, Catlebar and Westport; Horkan’s Lifestyle and Garden Centre, Castlebar, Sligo, and Oranmore; Jarlath Connaughton Family Butcher, Ballinrobe; and Ballinrobe Country Markets.

 Ducks cost €5 and are available from club members. All club members are asked to make a special effort to sell ducks in this important fund-raiser