Crafty Lunch Club- Spring 2022
The Crafty Lunch Club is a group for adults with learning and/ or physical disabilities who meet to take part in a different craft each week, form friendships, share a hot meal together all whilst having a great deal of fun! Launched in December 2021 the group has taken part in baking, painting, weekly exercise, holding their own awards ceremony, meeting a Roman soldier and singing along to popular songs.
This group aims to tackle social isolation not just for the adults who attend but also their carers. A team of volunteers work hard to enable people to come in, relax and take an hour or so to enjoy the activities on offer. A hot meal is provided to everyone which is usually tied in with the theme which is being followed. This half term has seen the group ‘visit’ a different country each week from London to the USA. it’s fun learning about the country through fun quizzes, crafts, themed bingo and then eating a meal together.
The Crafty Lunch Club has had tremendous support from Alcester Town Council and it is clear to see each week how valued the group is to those who attend.
The Crafty Lunch Club runs on Wednesday 11.30-1pm at The Eric Payne Community Centre (EPCC). If you would like to know more contact Beth at lizlorne@hotmail.co.uk
Autumn 2022
Cllr Wendy Mills had the great pleasure of attending the Wednesday Crafty Lunch Club, an action-packed group for adults with learning and/or physical disabilities. The Club started in December 2021 but from March 2022 Alcester Town Council obtained a grant to fund it for a year. Cllr Mills was struck by the enthusiasm and joyful faces of all those who attended. They told her that they really look forward to coming and some have formed social groups outside of the club.
Beth Clarke, the leader, and her group of volunteers are wonderful and devise new activities each week. Up to 20 adults with their carers go along for 2 hours. The time is absolutely filled with crafts, a hot lunch, dancing, singing and exercises. At the end of the summer term all received an individual certificate and trophy highlighting their talents ranging from Best Bingo Caller to Best Dancer. Loz, who told Cllr Mills that she loves singing, received the award for Best Singer. Other comments included: ‘It’s good fun’, ‘Well structured’, ‘Great for socialising’,’ l love to make things’, ‘It’s wonderful and breaks the week up’.
2023– The Club still runs weekly on Wednesdays at the EPCC from 11.30am until 1.30pm. It is now a Community Interest Company running independently of the Town Council. £10 covers the cost of a meal and a hot drink for both the carer and the cared for. It really is a fun packed time! In December 2023 the Mayor of Alcester, Cllr Vaughan Blake was delighted to attend the Awards ceremony.
