For seniors looking for company, conversation, crafts, games and fun, 206 Club is the place to go.
The Age Concern Ashburton programme has about 50 clients.
Every Monday through Wednesday many of them head along to the Senior Centre.
Age Concern director of day services Julie Luxton said their organisation has been providing a much needed service to the community for over 30 years.
The day begins at 10am with morning tea.
A lunched is served and the day concludes with afternoon tea at 2.30pm In between there are a variety of activities on offer based on what the clients have asked for or are interested in.
The club has the help of more than 35 volunteers to assist with activities.
Recently members Kate Lovett, 63, Maureen Harrison, 89, Les Condon, 87, and Jim Leak, 86, worked on a mosaic sign created for the fence between them and Te Whare Whakatere.
The colourful sign has been created by the makers breaking up china and gluing it to a board.
Once the mosaicing is finished the sign will be grouted and ready to hang.
They have enjoyed working together on the project.
Maureen said she enjoyed her weekly outings to the club because of the company, laughs and they things they did. ‘‘Oh and Julie’s jokes,’’ she said.
Jim said going to the club provided him with something to do. ‘‘I enjoy myself and it means I have things to talk to my wife about when I get home,’’ he said.
‘‘We welcome more people to join the 206 Club, it’s for men and women, anyone 65 plus, there is no referral process anyone can come along,’’ Julie said.
Kate, aged just 63, said she joined the club when she had to give up work as it gave her the opportunity to make friendships and undertake craft projects.
‘‘Because I am one of the youngest here they treat me like family and it gives me something to do,‘‘
Along with craft activities there are gentle exercises, speakers, reminiscing, Christmas celebrations, special day events such as for Easter and St Patrick’s Day and every week a game of housie with lollies for prizes, fun horse races around the Melbourne Cup, outings to community events, gardens,the movies and picnics.
