Club on the brink has been rescued

The OAPs lunch club, which had been running for five years at the Crossing community centre on Newcastle Street, was closed in February after budgets cuts forced Notts County Council to withdraw funding.

Ran by volunteers, the lunch club provided a place for Worksop pensioners to meet and socialise along with a hot meal at the low cost of £4.50.

But members were ‘shocked and saddened’ when the club was then terminated.

Anne Taylor, senior development manager at the Crossing, said she was ‘overjoyed’ to announce that the lunch club would be re-opening.

She said: “We are delighted to have attained funding from Notts County councillor Kevin Greaves who has always been very supportive of our projects.”

“It’s full speed ahead- we have all the original volunteers back on board and will be telephoning round the members to let them know the lunch club has been saved,” she said.

“With this funding, we will be able to keep the club open for at least another nine months- but eventually hope to find a more sustainable source and keep it open permanently. We will continue to work together to provide a friendly space for pensioners to meet and enjoy a good meal. It makes all the difference.”

Worksop resident, Sarah Hunt, whose elderly Father attended the club, said: “I am delighted that I heard the lunch club will now re-open. My 95 year old Dad is so happy as he has missed his friends and social chat.”

The lunch club will re-open on Tuesday 13th May. To book a place, call the Crossing on 01909 473375 by Thursday 8th May.