Members of the Andover Saturday club enjoying a game of Kurling

35 years of Brendoncare

The Brendoncare Foundation was founded in 1984 by Sir Ronald Gibson, a Winchester GP who was committed to improving the lives of more than 2,000 older people across the South of England. Since those humble beginnings, Brendoncare has continued to support older people’s needs and is passionate about positive ageing.

Brendoncare provides ten care homes, five housing with care services, and two hubs for local communities across the south of England.

In 2006, The Brendoncare Foundation merged with Club Hampshire, a charity tackling social isolation among older people by running regular friendship clubs. Brendoncare Clubs has grown to a network of 95 clubs across Hampshire and Dorset, offering diverse activities and opportunities for more than 1400 older people to come together and enjoy the company of others. The clubs are run by a team of dedicated volunteers, supported by a small team of locality managers.

The Andover Saturday Club is one of the 95 clubs and meets every Saturday, 10.30am to 12.30pm, at the United Reformed Church Hall, East Street, Andover. Each week, members enjoy a varied programme of activities, including quizzes, craft activities, entertainers, guest speakers and games such as skittles, horse racing and bingo.

Joan Walker joined Brendoncare’s Andover Saturday Club in October 2016 and then became a volunteer in October 2017. She had this to say about the club:

I was going through a difficult time, following my divorce and needed something for myself. I found Andover Saturday Club most uplifting and I gained my confidence back. It was lovely to meet new friends and enjoy lively conversation and a laugh. I decided to become a volunteer because I wanted to give something back to the club. I love seeing everyone enjoying themselves and the change in members as their confidence grows. The club is my lifeline.

The Four Corners Club also meets at the United Reformed Church Hall, Andover on alternate Thursdays, 2.00pm-4.00pm.

The Romsey Weekenders Club is another one of the 95 clubs and meets every Saturday, 10.30am to 12.30pm, at the Age Concern Hall, Linden Road, Romsey, SO51 8DB. Each week, members enjoy a varied programme of activities, including quizzes, indoor games and guest speakers.

Betty Allen, aged 90 years, has been a member Romsey Weekenders Club for a year and recently joined the volunteer team. She said:

Before, I used to be at a loose end on a Saturday – the weekends seemed so long. My friend said I should try Romsey Weekenders and I enjoyed it as soon as I went along. I love the companionship and the games. It’s a friendly group and everyone makes you feel welcome.”

I have also been along to the Romsey Companions Club and enjoyed a session of flower arranging there.

The Romsey Companions Club meets at the Romsey Comrades Club, South Front, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 8GB on alternative Mondays, 2pm-4pm.

If you’d like more information about Brendoncare clubs please visit www.brendoncare.org.uk/clubs or alternatively you can contact them by telephoning 01962 857099 or email clubs@brendoncare.org.uk Follow Brendoncare on Facebook and Twitter @Brendoncare.

Photo: Members of the Andover Saturday club enjoying a game of Kurling


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