Visit to Loughan House

Geogre Wilson

Seven Rotarians visited Loughan House Open Prison in Blacklion to see the excellent work being done by inmates on repairing bicycles for the Jole Rider Project. Past President John Trimble had arranged for a forty foot container lorry from A1 Transport in Teemore to transport 600 bicycles to the Jole Rider centre in England for onward transportation to Gambia. Also present on the day were Rotarians from Cookstown, Newtownards and Athlone along with Matt Porter International Services Chair and Declan Tyner Cork Bishopstown. The group were shown the workshop where the bicycles are repaired and spoke with the inmates. A three course lunch prepared by the inmates was provided in the canteen. The Prison Governor gave us a tour of the sight and told us about other projects which are on-going at the prison. It was an excellent visit which was enjoyed by all. Before leaving the Rotarians took part in a mass escape on bicycles for the benefit of the local Impartial Reporter photographer, all were safely rounded up and returned on site.