Vicki Willetts, a former training officer with the HSE, says that since she retired the café has given her a new lease of life. Originally from Lancashire in the UK, and in Co. Roscommon for over 20 years, she has a degree in textile design but says it is only since she retired that she has pursued her intertest in all things artistic.
“I have done loads of things here – book binding, tambour work which wasn’t very successful, drawing, embroidery and crochet”.
Asked why she comes along to the café, she says: “It is great craic. It is the company, meeting like-minded people, and if you try a new craft there is always somebody who has got some input. You share skills”.
Living on her own, Vicki loves the social aspect and has made good friends among the group.
“It is rare that you can find a group that is so diverse and that stimulates. I feel completely energised when I come. And it’s about meeting people, because I am on my own. What I get from it is that it is great fun, a great laugh”.
While she always had a creative instinct, Vicki said that until she retired it was “on hold” but now she is enjoying a whole new lease of life. “This is my chance to do what I have always had a passion for”.
For further information, contact Teresa O’Brien of Roscommon LEADER Partnership on 086 0291215.
