A community centre in Huddersfield is really thriving as Examiner reporter KATIE EARLAM found out
PHYLLIS Johnson settled down to an exciting game of dominoes and a slice homemade chocolate cake.
And she said the social activities at a Huddersfield community centre were the reason behind her new lease of life.
Which is not too bad at 104.
Crosland Moor Community Centre has an award-winning lunch programme which offers a delicious hot meal to disabled elderly visitors.
And it is run entirely by seven volunteers.
Phyllis said: “It is just wonderful here, I couldn’t think of anywhere nicer.
“I look forward to coming here every Tuesday because they look after us so well.
“They ask what meat we want to eat for our birthday and everybody gets to celebrate with their favourite meal.
“I choose cottage pie when it is my birthday.
“We celebrate with a big cake too. Doreen Lister made a lovely chocolate cake.
“They think of everything and it is just so welcoming, that I come in and I have a cup of tea in front of me within minutes.
“It’s what I look forward to every week.”
Phyllis lives in Milnsbridge and said that she tries to get out and about at least twice a week.
The Tuesday Luncheon Club was originally founded by Evelyn Cook about 25 years ago and since her death two years ago, her daughter Margaret Parry has taken over.
Margaret said: “It is a real chance for all these people to leave the house.
“Some of the people that we have here do not get the chance to leave the house and they look forward to coming and playing cards with their friends.
“The over 65s come in about 10am and we give them some tea and biscuits, or cake, they play some cards or dominoes and then they have their meal.
“We cook really good wholesome homemade food like roast beef, bacon chops, pie, mash potato, peas and a pudding.
“Then we all play bingo and everybody eventually leaves about 2pm.
“Everybody seems to love it and we were given an award about three years ago for our luncheon club.
“We would love it if other people wanted to come along and volunteer too, we are always looking for more help.”
The over 65s pay £5 to go to the lunch club, for which there are still places available – provided members can arrange their own transport.
Many of the other volunteers at the luncheon club got involved through family members and help cook, bake and call the bingo.
Both Irene Saul and Doreen Lister have been helping out at the centre for many years and are both in their 80s.
Other helpers include Sylvia Iredale, Rose Gledhill, Bert Kinder and Gurdeep Kaur.
Gurdeep got involved with the community centre to help improve her English and she said that club has increased her confidence.
