24 Nov 2024
An over 60s social club in Sandridge is closing its doors at the end of the year due to a lack of volunteers.
Sandridge Silver Threads Club has been running for 73 years and is a valuable resource for older adults. According to Age UK loneliness affects 1.4 million older people nationwide.
Sister duo Jacky England and Susan Hibbert have headed up the group for almost 24 years, during which time they have consistently ensured that participants were kept busy with regular meet-ups and activities but sadly, due to ill health, the pair are unable to keep running it.
Over 60s could take part in fortnightly activities or listen to live music over an extended lunchtime and make new friends or meet up with regulars.
Member of the Silver Threads Club Stella Johnson, 89, said she really enjoys attending, alongside many other older people.
She said: “The club was useful to make new friends and I looked forward to seeing them to have a chat.
“With the closure it means one more outing has gone. I think it important for us oldies to leave the house as much as possible.
“We have had speakers come to tell us of various subjects. We also have done sitting down exercises to music, played Katie’s Jumping Fleas, enjoyed afternoon teas or a fish and chip lunch, played bingo or old games like hoopla and bagatelle.
“Next week we have a talk from Midshires Search and Rescue and our closing week will be a Christmas celebration.”
Secretary of the club Susan Hibbert said: “It is with great regret and much sadness that the Sandridge Silver Threads Club will be closing at the end of the year.
“Unfortunately, ill health has forced Jacky and I to step down and we cannot find replacements.”
If anybody wants to help try to save the 73-year-old service by volunteering please contact us at editor@stalbanstimes.co.uk
