Report given by Brenda Grey at the AGM on the 17th April 2024 :
Myself and Val Rowe run the Shenstone Seniors lunch club at the Wesley Methodist Hall once a month.
Originally we were part of the committee for Shenstone Cares. However during and after Covid the numbers of participants dropped substantially due to various factors. Also the general age of the members was a factor . After covid there was a distinct lack of enthusiasm for social activities, such as theatre trips, afternoon trips etc. Totally understandable.
We had funds from Shenstone Cares which we decided had to be providing something helpful for the elderly community. Lunch club was our solution as we were concerned that there were a lot of older people in the village who weren’t accessing the company they needed and the lunch club was hopefully the way forward.
We were involved with Mary Jones when she started the Shenstone Seniors Brunch Club club and with her help and advice we formed the Lunch club with the same ideals. Both clubs work together for these projects.
We decided on a light lunch with a dessert and biscuits, tea and coffee. This runs from 12-2 on the 3rd Saturday of the month. We try very hard to have a varied menu every month and we are really pleased to see how much meal is enjoyed. Clean plates always !!
After a slow start 7 months ago it has really taken off. Our numbers have increased and continue to grow. We have continued to make improvements to our menu, our décor and the facilities .
Both the Brunch and the Lunch clubs have the same team, who are fantastic. We all work together and enjoy every session. Without the backing of this team it just wouldn’t work.
Both clubs have become a meeting point. Not only for the food, but as was the intention, to be a place of comfort and friendship. It seems to be working!!!