It’s been a chilly time since the New Year and we have struggled to keep warm enough at times on a Monday, so it has been heartening that so many members have been prepared to leave their cosy houses and comfy armchairs to join us each week. We have a substantial membership now – thirty when everyone is there – and probably for the first time in the club’s history we have five nonagenarians.
In early February we held our Annual General Meeting and in reviewing the 25th year of the Club it was interesting to note how attendance had fluctuated over the years, but with the ratio of ladies to gentlemen staying fairly consistent. After the various reports came the elections, and Brian Amor was re elected as Chairman, Moya Wallis as Vice Chairman, James Ladd as Treasurer and Margaret Beater as Secretary. The committee members were also re elected – Nina Ricketts, Margaret German, June Reeves, Margaret Bray and Maureen Buttle. Much gratitude and appreciation were extended to our wonderfully supportive helpers and drivers.
As reported at the end of last year Wiltshire Council awarded us a grant to purchase Wiisport. This is now up and running and we are working on developing the necessary skills to enjoy some games on it. Probably most of us had heard of it and many had been introduced to it by our grandchildren – so watch this space for our progress!
We were delighted this week to receive a £50 donation from David and Chris at the Post Office. We were the first recipients of their “notice board fund” and now they have been around all the groups in the village and back to the Monday Club.
March 8th found us sitting ready and waiting for our speaker by 1:45pm. We’d cleared the bingo and the raffle in the morning, we’d had our lovely fish and chip lunch and got all that cleared away so we were set fair to indulge for a full hour with Susan Marshfield going “Barefoot to Buckingham Palace.” She didn’t disappoint us, and the hour flew by as we chuckled to hear her anecdotes and watch her antics - even those who had heard it before said it bore repetition!
If you would like to join us each week at the Social Centre do give me a ring. We can provide transport if you live in Bromham or Rowde.
Claire Ladd [Organiser] on 01380859166
THE MONDAY CLUB IS A COMMUNITY DAY CENTRE AND LUNCHEON CLUB FOR THE ELDERLY AND HOUSEBOUND RESIDENTS OF BROMHAM & ROWDE. IT IS GRANT AIDED THROUGH WILTSHIRE COUNCIL, AND SUPPORTED BY AGE CONCERN.
MONDAY CLUB NEWS
We have now experienced our first “New Age Kurling” match! The kit includes pushers for the stones so that the game can be played seated, and consequently we were able to form two teams to challenge each other. A player from each team was selected randomly and sitting side by side they were given either four red or four blue stones to push towards the target alternately. The stone nearest the centre of the target won a point. Once all the pairs from both teams had played, the totals were added up to decide the winning team. As we got the hang of it the play became increasingly competitive with a lot of stones forcibly pushed off – loudly encouraged by the spectators. It promises to be a popular addition to our programme, and is available to more people than our usual skittles.
Still on the theme of keeping active, we are maintaining numbers in our half hour exercise session which James still leads on the first Monday of each month, and February 1st was no exception. This built up an appetite for lunch and then the afternoon was spent playing whist or scrabble or just chatting. The following week we had a visiting speaker, Peter Grace, who talked to us about how Cirencester was defended by the Home Guard. Peter showed some interesting photos of landmarks which survive today, and although his talk was interlaced with humorous comparisons to Dad’s Army, the serious threat of invasion and the implications of that were brought home to us forcibly.
If you would like to join us each week at the Social Centre do give me a ring. We can provide transport if you live in Bromham or Rowde.
Claire Ladd [Organiser] on 01380 859166
THE MONDAY CLUB IS A COMMUNITY DAY CENTRE AND LUNCHEON CLUB FOR THE ELDERLY AND HOUSEBOUND RESIDENTS OF BROMHAM & ROWDE. IT IS GRANT AIDED THROUGH WILTSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL, AND SUPPORTED BY AGE CONCERN.
It was touch and go for our first Monday back in January as although the snow hadn’t arrived there was black ice on a lot of paths and pavements. However the decision to carry on as normal proved the right one and twenty members arrived safely for the new season. The day was spent catching up on news, and also doing a few exercises before lunch, followed by a game of whist in the afternoon. By the next week the snow had arrived and conditions were so unsuitable that the club was cancelled. However by the 18th we were back in force, although it felt as if we’d been away for ever. Kevin brought us a magnificent roast chicken lunch with loads of veg and we felt as if the year had at last begun. In the afternoon we were entertained by some spirited singing from John and Margaret Craig’s group Music and Mirth – plus John’s jokes!
Old news is always a bit dreary, but since the last report of the old year we have had several interesting days to look back on. Late last year we were visited by a representative from the Bobby Van Trust who explained the valuable work carried out by the Trust, which relies on donations and fund raising to keep going. Another week we entertained ourselves with some recordings of Pam Ayres’ radio series which kept us all chuckling at her tales and poems.
December 7th found us all seated comfortably by the log fires at the Greyhound while Kevin, Louise and their staff served up a delicious Christmas meal – Roast Turkey with all the trimmings followed by Christmas pudding. Our members, helpers, drivers and guests all joined together for this meal which was a fitting conclusion to all the lovely meals that the Greyhound has continued to provide us with each Monday.
Our last day before the Christmas break of two weeks was enlivened in the morning by the visit of the older St. Nicholas’ schoolchildren who gave us a spirited and very competent selection of seasonal music. Their singing was unaccompanied, and we were able to join in some of the well known carols, as well as listen to the recorder pieces. The finale was a very fine performance of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
Our community, as ever, continues to support us generously, and we have received a cheque for £100 from Bromham Parish Council. We have also been fortunate enough to attract two additional grants, both aimed at keeping us fit and healthy. Age Concern have enabled us to purchase a set of New Age Kurling, which resembles normal Curling but instead of running the stones on ice these are fitted with small casters for use on boards or carpet.
Wiltshire Council meanwhile have also made funds available for us to purchase the Wii Sport.
No excuse now for inactivity on a Monday!
If you would like to join us each week at the Social Centre do give me a ring. We can provide transport if you live in Bromham or Rowde.
Claire Ladd [Organiser] on 01380859166
THE MONDAY CLUB IS A COMMUNITY DAY CENTRE AND LUNCHEON CLUB FOR THE ELDERLY AND HOUSEBOUND RESIDENTS OF BROMHAM & ROWDE. IT IS GRANT AIDED THROUGH WILTSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL, AND SUPPORTED BY AGE CONCERN.
We were lucky with the weather on the day of our autumn outing this year, and we set off just before eleven in the brightness of an October morning. Our driver, Jason, took us off towards Avebury, via Devizes and Beckhampton and then on along the Swindon road. We passed the Wootton Bassett turn off and then a bit further along we turned left to wander through the side roads, eventually coming to Lyneham via Dauntsey Banks. The countryside looked beautiful with quite a lot of autumn colour showing. From Lyneham we took the road through to Chippenham, arriving at the Brewers Fayre, Cepen Park for lunch. As this is a Premier Inn like the Frome Flyer where we have had good meals, we were hopeful that a delicious lunch awaited us. We were not disappointed, and thirty six of us tucked into the meal of our choice.
Being a modern building the facilities and access are very helpful, and we were seated in the spacious sun room which we had all to ourselves. In order to time our arrival home to meet those drivers not with us, Jason brought us back through Lyneham again, judging his timing to perfection. A grand day out.
A couple of weeks later Jan from Affordable Clothing visited us with her selection of dresses, cardigans etc., and then when everyone had made their purchases we celebrated Ella’s 90th birthday with a lovely iced cake given by her family.
We have recently received a generous cheque for £100 from the Bromham Carnival Committee, and we are very grateful for their continuing loyal support of the club.
Sadly our long standing relationship with Doreen Stroud has come to an end. Doreen’s health does not allow her to continue with her sales of cards for the Bath cancer unit, but she did kindly pass on some of her stock for our future purchases.
Claire Ladd [Organiser] on 0138085
THE MONDAY CLUB IS A COMMUNITY DAY CENTRE AND LUNCHEON CLUB FOR THE ELDERLY AND HOUSEBOUND RESIDENTS OF BROMHAM & ROWDE. IT IS GRANT AIDED THROUGH WILTSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL, AND SUPPORTED BY AGE CONCERN.
What a welcome extension to the season the recent fine weather has been, as it holds off the threat of winter a little longer. Although we have needed the heating on a Monday, the sun streaming through the windows has soon warmed the whole day up.
During September we were entertained by Jill and Bernie Martin one week. Jill energetically played her accordion while Bernie led the rest of us in singing a selection of old favourites. On the first Monday in October we were visited by Hilary McFall who is a prominent local organiser in the Samaritan’s Purse charity.
Having been directly involved in the distribution of Christmas shoeboxes to children for many years, Hilary was able to encourage our efforts with her enthusiastic descriptions of the joy this project brings to so many deprived youngsters. Already contributions are coming in for this year’s batch of boxes.
The day of our Autumn Fair on October the 10th dawned bright and sunny, and by 2:30 pm all was set for the opening with the usual stalls groaning under the generous contributions of our loyal supporters. As this is our main fund raising event of the year, we were a bit anxious that not as many people as usual attended. However those who did come must have spent very generously, and by the end of Monday when we sold a few more items to members who had been unable to come on Saturday, we were well on the way to our target of £600. To all those who supported us by either donating, helping or buying, we send a very big thank you.
If you’d like to join us on a Monday, do give me a ring, we’d love to see you. We can provide transport if you live in Bromham or Rowde.
Claire Ladd [Organiser] on 0138085
THE MONDAY CLUB IS A COMMUNITY DAY CENTRE AND LUNCHEON CLUB FOR THE ELDERLY AND HOUSEBOUND RESIDENTS OF BROMHAM & ROWDE. IT IS GRANT AIDED THROUGH WILTSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL, AND SUPPORTED BY AGE CONCERN.
The Bromham and Rowde Monday Club was first set up in 1984, and so this year it has been running for 25 years. A Tea Party was held in August to celebrate this, and the Club’s many friends and supporters came along for tea and cakes. During the afternoon the Chairman Brian Amor spoke of the success of the Club over the years, and thanked all those who had contributed in so many ways. A large iced cake was then cut by the oldest member Greta Power, and enjoyed by everyone. Meanwhile a Bring and Buy table did a steady trade, and cups of tea and home made cakes were served.
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As the summer days trickle by, our Mondays remain a regular time for company and congenial chat, and enjoyment of Kevin’s delicious meals (which we have been having for two years now!) Quite a few have been missing whilst holidays are enjoyed, but most weeks we have remained over twenty in number. The hot languid sun filled days haven’t quite materialised as hoped, but at least it has been a comfortable temperature without huddling round radiators.
Also we were able to enjoy a game of skittles one week without getting too hot – and with Dave and Vic as team captains, a lively battle took place. Our activities have been particularly “active” recently, as another week we were introduced to new age Kurling by Trish Cowie from Age Concern. This is a simulation of real curling but without the ice, and the stones have ball bearing wheels underneath so they can be pushed along towards the target. There are also pushers so that they can be used either whilst seated or without bending down. We also had the chance to try ten pin bowling on the Wiisport, - good fun and will maybe give us a bit of street cred!
We have received a donation of £100 from Rowde Parish Council which is very welcome, and also we have recently received a personal donation of £50.
Of course our main fund raising event will be coming up before long, the annual Autumn Fair which will be held on October 10th this year in the Bromham Social Centre in the afternoon. Although we have received our grant from the Wiltshire Council, it does not cover our rising basic costs, and so we will be glad if our loyal supporters can join us again this year to help boost funds. We will have a good selection of stalls as usual, plus raffles and refreshments – and with any luck a fine afternoon.
If you’d like to join us on a Monday, do give me a ring, we’d love to see you. We can provide transport if you live in Bromham or Rowde.
Claire Ladd [Organiser]
THE MONDAY CLUB IS A COMMUNITY DAY CENTRE AND LUNCHEON CLUB FOR THE ELDERLY AND HOUSEBOUND RESIDENTS OF BROMHAM & ROWDE. IT IS GRANT AIDED THROUGH WILTSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL, AND SUPPORTED BY AGE CONCERN.
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THE MONDAY CLUB IS 25 YEARS OLD !
1984 - 2009
We will be having an Afternoon Tea Party with Bring and Buy table to celebrate this milestone.
If you have been associated with the Club at any time, either as a member, a helper, a supporter, or as a friend, we would like to invite you
to join an afternoon of chat and catching up with friends on MONDAY AUGUST 17TH at the Bromham Social Centre between 2pm and 3.30pm.
Tea and cakes will be served and there will be a bring and buy table.
Maybe this is an opportunity to pop in and see what the Club is all about?
We do hope you can join us!
All the Spring Bank Holidays are now safely behind us and so we have a clear run of Mondays until the end of August. Up to the end of May we had indulged in a lively game of skittles; had the opportunity to freshen up our wardrobes with Jan’s Affordable Clothing selection; and enjoyed listening to Dennis Powney’s “Tales of Old Bromham”. In June we spent an afternoon entertaining ourselves with poems, music and quizzes, and on the 15th we had our summer outing. This was a coach trip out for lunch at the Frome Flyer where we had such a good meal last autumn. The weather was kind for us this year as we set off in warm sunshine, and our driver Phil took us around Melksham, Westbury and Warminster. Traffic was light and we arrived early, but were warmly welcomed in for a drink while our food was cooked. We weren’t disappointed and after filling up well on our chosen dish we set off back arriving in Bromham at ten past three.
At our last committee meeting our Chairman, Brian Amor, welcomed a new committee member – Maureen Buttle from Rowde. Maureen stepped forward following a request at our Annual General Meeting.
We have recently received a donation of £100 from Rowde Parish Council, for which we are very grateful; and also Caroline Palmer of a la Carte Health has pledged a generous percentage of the profit generated by sales to the Monday Club following a presentation last year about Aloe Vera products.
The
Monday Club was first opened in 1984, and so this year we will be 25 years old! We plan to celebrate this milestone with a tea party on Monday August 17th, in the Bromham Social Centre, between 2pm and 3:30pm. We will also have a Bring and Buy table, and we would like to invite our many friends and supporters to come and join us for a cup of tea and cakes and a catch up chat. We’re not going to send individual invitations as we did for our 20 year party in 2004, but if you have ever been involved with the club as a helper, member, supporter or friend we will be delighted to see you. There’ll be a reminder in the August Magazine – but please make a note of the date now and plan to come and join us!
If you’d like to join us on a Monday, do give me a ring, we’d love to see you. We can provide transport if you live in Bromham or Rowde.
Claire Ladd [Organiser] 01380 859166