Dozens of older people enjoyed a late Christmas party in Newmains while marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
SWELS (Seniors with Energetic Lifestyles), who meet twice weekly at the Newmains Community Trust (NCT) Centre in Newmains, decided they would turn their annual festive lunch into an early celebration for the jubilee marking 70 years after Covid caused its cancellation in December.
The mistletoe may have been replaced with bunting for Her Majesty’s milestone but traditional Christmas turkey dinner with all the trimmings was still served up.
The group’s secretary Tom Murray explained: “Our Christmas lunch from last year had to be cancelled twice due to Covid restrictions. We were thinking we can’t have a Christmas party in April so the committee decided to hold a Jubilee Lunch instead. We had the same Christmas menu with a choice of turkey or steak pie. We had support from the local shops who donated prizes so that allowed us to have a raffle. It was just a great day.
“It was brilliant and everyone was saying how much they enjoyed it.
“Covid is still around but it’s good to put it behind us and do something enjoyable.”
Entertainment on the day was provided by Donny Findlay.
Mary-Anne McCafferty, Development Manager at Newmains Community Trust, added: “Finally, they have all been able to come together and have a party. They decided to have it as a Jubilee Lunch in honour of the Queen and it’s great they are now able to get back out and enjoy life.”
SWELS meet in the NCT Centre on Mondays at 2pm for Chair Aerobics, and also every Thursday at 2pm for Tai Chi.
The group numbers around 50 members and they welcome anyone along who lives in the area.
“Even though we’re a seniors group there are a few younger ones too in their forties and fifties. You don’t need to be an old age pensioner,” Tom added. “We’re always looking for more people to join us at Tai Chai and chair aerobics. We have people from Wishaw, Shotts, Allanton, and coming from Motherwell.
“We always have a summer bus run so that’s not far away now either, that gets us away for a day as well.”
For more information get in touch with the NCT Centre.
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