Lancaster’s Friendship Centre for the over 55’s is holding an open day to celebrate its 15th anniversary. The Centre, which uses facilities at Lancaster Baptist Church, next to the Town Hall. will be open to all on Wednesday 25 March from 10am to 1pm. Older people are invited to come along and try out a variety of free classes and activities and enjoy a celebration buffet lunch in the company of the Mayor of Lancaster, Cllr Susie Charles.
Cllr Dave Brookes, Friendship Centre Chair said: “The Friendship Centre was set up in the year 2000 by a group of older people who wanted a place in the city centre to meet and chat. It soon began to offer organised activities and classes and went from opening one day a week to two, and then to three days a week. The Centre helps members to stay fit and active, keep their brains working, and enjoy socialising with peers. This is a particularly valuable service for those who have lost their partners, although all are very welcome.”
Throughout its 15 years the Friendship Centre has had the support of local Green councillors, from founding Chair Cllr Jon Barry, through Cllrs Gina Dowding and Anne Chapman, to current Chair Cllr Dave Brookes.
The Friendship Centre is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 1.30pm all year round except bank holidays, a one-week break in the summer, and a two-week break at Christmas.
The Centre offers a range of activities including Keep Fit, Line Dancing and Sequence Dancing, and classes including Computers, Art, and History, as well as the opportunity to meet people and benefit from peer support and company.
The Centre also offers a home cooked lunch on Wednesdays, and Hodgson’s fish & chips on Fridays, both at £3.
Membership is open to anyone aged 55 and over and costs £10 per year. Some classes and activities are free but most involve an additional charge.
For more information, visit the Friendship Centre website at
http://www.thefriendshipcentre.co.uk/