Weekly social club for older residents in Southwater

A new weekly lunch club for Southwater’s older residents has launched with members hailing it a great asset to the community.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Feb 2014, 11:08 BST
JPCT 210214 Grand opening of the new Friday Luncheon Club in Southwater at Southwater Leisure Centre with County Councillor Mr Brad Watson OBE. Photo by Derek MartinJPCT 210214 Grand opening of the new Friday Luncheon Club in Southwater at Southwater Leisure Centre with County Councillor Mr Brad Watson OBE. Photo by Derek Martin
JPCT 210214 Grand opening of the new Friday Luncheon Club in Southwater at Southwater Leisure Centre with County Councillor Mr Brad Watson OBE. Photo by Derek Martin

Around 30 residents attended the third Southwater Friday Luncheon on Friday (February 21) and it was officially launched by West Sussex County Councillor for Southwater and Nuthurst Brad Watson.

Mr Watson explained the club was provided by the parish council thanks to a £3,500 fund from the West Sussex County Council Community Initiative.

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He said: “I’m delighted and privileged to be here. This is just the sort of thing we want to support.

“It gets people together and gets them socialising. It’s pretty obvious how successful it is.”

The club provides a regular opportunity for residents to get out of their home and meet with others, take part in activities and be entertained by different guest appearances.

The club held its first session on February 7.

Councillor Peter Buckley, Chairman of Southwater Parish Council, said the council felt the club was an important one to provide for the community because the number of services for young people outweighed that for older residents.

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He said: “Quite a lot are living on their own so to come out and have a reasonably priced meal, is good for them.”

Rose Redford, of College Road, attended the club for the first time and said she enjoyed taking part in the games and activities.

She said: “We did curling and skittles and all those sorts of things. I had never played them before. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Vera Palmer, of Shipley Road, said she was unsure about the idea of the club when she first heard about it.

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She said: “My daughter made me come. I said I didn’t want to come along but I’m glad I did.

“It’s lovely, everything’s lovely and the food is very good indeed.”

The £3,500 was used by the council to purchase essential materials for the club and upgrade catering facilities at the leisure centre.

The club will run from 10am to 2pm each Friday with lunch served at midday.

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An attendance fee of £6.50 includes tea, coffee, lunch and activities.

The club will welcome any volunteers who could help to run the event.

Anyone interested in being involved can call the council on 01403 733202.