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If it had not been for a lady called Erica
Thorman, the Weybridge Old Folks Club would not exist. At the
end of World War II she recognised a need for companionship
among the older people in Weybridge, and started a tea club.
Mrs Thorman was a truly community-minded person and devoted time
and money to providing care for the elderly. In addition to her
tea club, she started the original Meals on Wheels service in
Weybridge, and bought a house where accommodation and nursing
care were provided for people close to their homes and friends.
She also left money in her Will to endow the Weybridge Old Folks
Club, as the tea club had become.
The Old Folks Club thrived until the end of 2002, when it nearly
closed for lack of suitable people to run it. At this point our
former curate, Robert Jenkins, mobilised Churches Together in
Weybridge, who formed a new committee, thus allowing it to take
on a new lease of life.
The Club meets every Thursday afternoon except Maundy Thursday
from 2pm to 4 pm in Weybridge Public Hall for tea and cakes –
unless there is an outing. Every year there is a luncheon for
the Over 90s, a Summer Tea, a Christmas Tea and a Christmas
Lunch, and there are Fish & Chip Lunches through the winter.
Churches Together in Weybridge take it in
turns to lead a short service on the first Thursday of each
month, and they also provide volunteers to help in the kitchen.
Outings provided have included trips to Worthing and Eastbourne,
to Teddington Studios to be part of a studio audience, and to
the theatre. Guest speakers are invited, and the children of St
James School have performed in concerts for club members.
The annual subscription costs £3, and the cost of the weekly
teas is 50p. Membership is restricted to those over 60 who live
within the parish boundary. Where else can you get such a
bargain?
If you are interested in joining the club, or would like to
volunteer to help, please contact Valerie Bird on 863 219, and
she will be happy to hear from you.
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