Written by Graham Jennings of Chew Valley Monday Club.
The Chew Valley Monday Club has been operating since 1989 and brings a weekly treat to its mature, modern, members who were all born between 1918 and 1945.
It also provides an ideal respite opportunity for their carers and close family members, who are then able to take a break; secure in the knowledge that their other half is in good company and having fun.
A team of more than twenty-five dedicated volunteer coordinators and helpers operate on a monthly rota to provide tasty, nourishing, hot-cooked meals (plus a choice of puddings). We don’t do ready-cooked or fast foods. All meals are prepared in the kitchen on the premises. Their quality and popularity is endorsed every week by the members’ requests for seconds and/or doggy-bags! The lunches are supplemented by teas, coffees, cordials, cakes and biscuits morning and afternoon.
Scope of Activities
Various activities and entertainment are also laid on every Monday morning and afternoon. These are selected according for the value that they add to the aims and objectives of the Monday Club.
They may include, but are not limited to, age-appropriate exercise classes, crafty quizzes, board games, bingo, story-telling and poetry, choirs and hand-bell ringers, singers and entertainers (often including sing-alongs). November saw Keith Beaton entertaining us with some splendid songs from the ‘60s.
These activities are provided by alternating our own ‘in-house’ volunteer talent with professional and semi-professional specialist entertainers and amateur groups. Of particular interest have been some of the expert talks that have been delivered on topics such as nutrition, first-aid, getting help when you need it and the role of ‘first-responders’.
To broaden our scope even further we have had regular (accompanied) visits from children of all age groups. Toddlers, infants, juniors and seniors. With each group making their own special contribution to the interaction.
How to join us and how to volunteer
So, if you know of someone that would benefit from joining us on Mondays, either for a whole day from 10.00 till 3.15, or just for the afternoons, please call our membership secretary, Wendy Talbot on 01275 333063, to find out more.
If you would like to volunteer please call the Chairperson, Jane Finn on 01934 862343. Or pop in to see us at the Millennium Hall (next to The Old Schoolroom) Chew Magna any Monday between 10am and 3pm.
Wherever you are in the Chew Valley, we’d love to hear from you.
Chew Valley Monday Club is a member of LinkAge Network.