Five things to do in Offaly
Oh mama - The most-hyped musical of them all is now a smash-hit, feelgood movie. If you haven"t seen it by now, then you must watch 'Mama Mia' on tonight (Friday) in Birr Theatre and Arts Centre at 8pm. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Meryl Streep and Julie Walters and set on a colourful Greek island, the plot serves as a background for a wealth of great ABBA songs, which are used in remarkably appropriate ways. Dress up is optional), sing-a-long is optional, have a great night out? Abbasolutely! Meet a poet For a night out with a difference, why don"t you check out the poetry group meeting taking place in Tullamore next Monday February 2? Everyone is welcome to this Offaly Poetry Group meeting which starts at 8pm in the Library Bar of the Bridge House Hotel. Featuring the best-known poets to those of a slightly more obscure nature, there"s something for everyone"s taste. Kids go potty Pottery Workshops for children and adults are now running in the Belmont Mills. The classes run in three and four week blocks on Saturday 2pm to 4pm, costing €45 for the three week block. Friday evenings are also available for children. Adult workshops take place evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and cost €120 for six weeks. This includes materials glazes and kiln costs. Contact Jennifer on 087 7991866 for more information or email jennycomber@eircom.net. Reach for the stars Looking for a new hobby? Then, why not join the Midlands Astronomy Club (formerly the Tullamore Astronomical Society) and take advantage of all these clear night skies we"re having. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday February 3 in the Presbyterian Church, High Street, Tullamore at 8pm. Michael O"Connell, chairperson, will present a talk on Meteors and Meteorites. He will present samples of genuine meteorites you can look at and touch. All are welcome to attend, admission is €2. Contact the Secretary Seanie Morris on 087 6825910 or by e-mail on tullamoreastronomy@yahoo.co.uk for more information. Walk the walk Check out Tullamore"s new Slí na Sláinte route, which was relaunched last week by the HSE and Chroí. It starts at Kilbeggan bridge and is routed for 5km through the surrounding area of the town. Little markers count off every kilometre you do, to help give you that sense of achievement.