A KIND-HEARTED sports club manager is offering a comfortable and free meeting place for the elderly, over the winter months.
Terry Auten, manager at Ilford Sports Club, Cricklefield Stadium, High Road, wants to put an end to social groups for the seniors shivering in cold meeting places.
WARM FACILITIES: The comfortable Ilford Sports Club room available over the winter |
He is throwing open the club's doors between noon and 4pm, Monday to Friday, a time which he feels would suit older groups.
The building, which hosts community events, as well as sports and activities, is currently unused then.
"The heating's on all week just for the fish," Mr Austen joked, adding: "It's the time of the day when elderly groupswould meet.
"I Imagine elderly people charged to sit in these dingy halls.
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"We can give them somewhere free and warm - and for any other groups looking to start, this would give them a leg up.
"Other places may start closing down. These are difficult times - but that's why we need to give elderly people a chance to get out of the house.
"During these credit crunch times, if you can't help the elderly who can you help?"
One carpeted room is available, holdig around 80 people, complete with sofas, tables and tea and coffe facilities, as well as disabled access.
Another hall, which holds around 120 people, could also be used for activities such as bowls. |
WARM HEARTED: Ilford Sports Club manager Terry Austen |
They will be available in roughly 2 hour slots, though the generous manager is determined to be flexible.
He also said that wile the times may be perfect for older or retired people, others, such as mother and baby groups, would also be welcome.
His offer follows calls from 94-year-old Rosa Williams, of Northbrook Road, Ilford, in September, for more social clubs - and places to meet - in her area.
The sports club spaces will be available free from January to March and a monthly price could be negotiated after this period.
Anyone interested can contact Mr Austen on 07908070174. |
