Travel club calls it a day by making generous donations

MEMBERS of a cross-community club made up of mostly retired people from Omagh who travelled across Europe on holidays have decided to call it a day after more than two decades.

To mark its end, Omagh Travel Club’s remaining funds have been split between four deserving causes, Air Ambulance NI, AWARE, ‘Our Hearts Our Minds’ cardiovascular programme and the Renal Unit at Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex.

They each received £520.

Bob Hopton, Omagh Travel Club chair, said, “After over 22 years of travelling on holidays into Europe (including Spain, Cyprus, Portugal, Bulgaria, the Greek Islands, Scotland, England and Ireland), the cross-community club made up mainly of retired people from Omagh and the surrounding area has finally closed its doors.

“The club also spent many days visiting local attractions in the North and South usually ending up dancing the evening away before heading home full of good food and drink.”

Founded by local man Joe McDonald many years ago, Omagh Travel Club was supported at its height by more than 70 members. Latterly the club’s president, Mr McDonald was still able to advise the existing committee.

After taking the decision to close its door, chair Mr Hopton, vice-chair Benny Donaghy, secretary Isobel McManus, treasurer Joyce Hetherington, holiday treasurer Cis Gibson and a number of other members decided to donate the remaining club funds to the four local charities.

The Western Health Trust has gratefully acknowledged the kind donations to the ‘Our Hearts Our Minds’ programme and the Renal Unit at Omagh Hospital.

Omagh Travel Club members say they made the donations as a token of appreciation for the wonderful care provided by both teams at the hospital.