Aster hosts club for older and socially isolated people following fire

A local lunch club which provides an essential meeting point for older people and those facing socially isolation has reopened its doors thanks to finding a new home from which to host its activities following a fire at its former social club setting.

Bromham and Rowde Monday Club will be holding regular meet ups from Angell House Independent Living Scheme in Bromham, which is owned by housing association Aster Group, until the social club is rebuilt.

The local community group became homeless in June after the Bromham Social Centre caught fire and had been temporarily using a space in the local church to run its sessions. Aster, keen to ensure that those who rely on the club to see friendly faces regularly each month could continue to benefit from its services, offered its communal lounge in Angell House.

Caroline Culley from the Monday Club said: “We are really happy in Angell House.  I can’t believe how much easier it is to operate there!  No moving furniture, no long distances to carry things – it is lovely.  A few of our members were a bit sceptical about us being in Angell House, but they all think it’s great.  It is so much easier for customers and those who live in the nearby bungalows.”

The Monday Club regularly holds musical afternoons and social events for people aged 55-95+ years and has been meeting in Angell House since the start of August 2021 when COVID-19 restrictions eased. All customers living in Angell House welcomed the group during their first session where 30 people enjoyed the meeting.

Tony Helm, head of Independent Living at Aster, said: “We’re pleased to be able to provide a warm welcome to the Monday Club and its members and look forward to seeing the variety of activities the club provides to the community.

“We hope that our schemes are places where people are keen to spend time and enjoy seeing others after such a long period of restrictions due to COVID-19.”

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