CENTRES FOR OLDER PEOPLE IN RUNNYMEDE

Runnymede Borough Council operates four Centres specifically for people of retirement age and over. They are very warm and friendly places, allowing you the opportunity to join in with one of our many activities on offer, or to simply relax with a cup of tea and a homemade cake.

The Centres can be found in:

• Addlestone - The Eileen Tozer Centre
• Chertsey - The Orchard Centre
• Egham - Manor Farm Centre
• New Haw - Woodham & New Haw Centre

All the Centres have a lively atmosphere and provide support and the opportunity to meet people and so make new friends. They all organise a wide range of activities and events throughout the year, some of which are listed below. Not all Centres, however, provide the same services, so make sure you give your local Centre a ring if you are looking for a particular activity.

Some of the activities and events available across the Borough are:

Computer Training:

One to one training is provided on both the computer and the Internet, by arrangement. Training takes place in a relaxed environment, specifically designed for Older People. Opportunities therefore exist for anyone interested in taking that first step into the exciting world of computers, to do so without ever having to step foot into a classroom!

Dancing:

Fancy a waltz or perhaps put on your cowboy boots and take part in a line dance? We have tea dances and line dancing taking place across the Borough, so don't delay, come on down and join in!

Indoor Bowls and New Age Kurling:

Long mat bowls available for all to join in, as is the new fun sport of indoor Kurling - no ice needed!

Bingo/Whist/Darts/Quizzes:

The more traditional, and ever popular, pastimes still have a place in our Centres, with inter-Centre competitions organised for the more competitive amongst you.

Craft Groups:

A number of these small groups exist and cover painting, needlework and handicrafts.

Parties and Trips:

Many special events are held throughout the year, with the obvious celebrations taking place at Christmas, Easter and New Year. We often do not need an excuse, however, to throw a party, as our 'Hawaiian' and 'Sick of Winter' parties can testify.

Day excursions are also run with, visits made to: Christmas Lights in London; Worthing; local vineyard; Christmas Shopping for wheelchair users and Wisley Gardens, among the highlights.

Certain Centres run organised holidays to various beauty spots in the British Isles.

In addition to the organised programme of activities and events that are undertaken within our Centres, many other professional people and groups use them as meeting places.

So should you wish to contact:

Age Concern

A District Nurse

A Community Policeman

A Chiropodist

A Hairdresser

An Aromatherapist

It is entirely likely that your local Centre Manager could assist you.

Additional Services

All Centres provide the following:

Lunch - served around midday - this traditional meal offers excellent value for money (£3.00 - April 2005).

Coffee Shops - run by our valuable band of volunteers, we offer teas, coffees and delicious homemade cakes.

Shop - groceries, wool and small gifts can be purchased in the comfort of your local Centre.

Transport - for those with mobility difficulties, it may be possible to arrange transport to bring you into the Centre close to your home.

Location of Centres:

Addlestone:

Eileen Tozer, Crouch Oak Lane, KT15 2AN Tel: 01932 841088 Manager: Nikki Anderson

Chertsey:

The Orchard, Staines Lane, KT16 8PS Tel: 01932 565189 Manager: Sylvia Barrowcliffe

Egham:

Manor Farm, Manor Farm Lane, TW20 9HR Tel: 01784 435278 Manager: Maureen Butler

New Haw:

Woodham & New Haw, Amis Avenue, The Broadway KT15 3ET Tel: 01932 355707 Manager: Margaret Hayes

Should you wish any general information regarding the Centres in Runnymede, please call 01932 425868.

VOLUNTEERS

The five Centres for Older People in Runnymede offer a wide range of activities, services and guidance for their customers. It is, however, only through the generous support and dedication of a very faithful group of volunteers that we are able to maintain this level of commitment.

We are always looking to expand our happy band of volunteers, so should you have a few hours a week that you could dedicate to our Centres, please give us a call. In so doing, not only would you have the gratitude of many people, you just might enjoy yourselves!

It is possible to volunteer for one of many roles:reception work; within the coffee shops; assisting with computer training, or organising a specific activity.

Whatever your inclination, we have a role for you. We will also reimburse reasonable travelling expenses.