It’s the time of year when it’s good for the heart and soul to be out and about enjoying life after a long, cold winter. Perth’s seniors and autumn clubs north and south of the river have a wide range of outings and activities available.
It’s a great way to meet people, make lasting friendships and even learn new skills from table tennis to tai chi and carpet bowls.
People need not feel alone when there is a wealth of activities they can do, depending on personal preference and lifestyle. Research shows that social interaction and achievement is important, improving health and wellbeing, especially as we grow older.
Manning Senior Citizens’ Centre has a packed program Monday to Sunday, starting with yoga on Monday, an Indian vegetarian lunch and stretch band fit class. Tuesday has a free life coaching session, boot scooting and scrabble, Wednesday table tennis and accordion group and men’s shed.
Thursday includes remedial massage, zumba gold and mah-jong while the many Friday activities include table tennis, painting for pleasure, whist and pony canasta, Orchid Society of WA and men’s shed engine room.
On Saturday there is a shopping bus, African Violet Society and quilting group while Sunday is devoted to Indian social group, WA Fern Society and afternoon tea dance.
The calendar of events (subject to change) includes a talk by Allan Naber on 13 October (Wednesday) on walking the Camino to Santiago de Compostela while 2 November sees a Melbourne Cup sweep with a bus trip on 25 November.
Contact the centre on 9450 6273 or email: manningseniors@bigpond.com
Herald Avenue Senior Citizens Club in Willetton has a packed calendar year round with new vogue dancing on Monday, beading and art. Tuesday has yoga, keep fit, men’s table tennis and embroidery.
Tai chi lovers can practise their skill on Wednesday with beginners and advanced activity, indoor bowls and women’s table tennis with bridge in the afternoon and skiffle group. Thursday sees cardmaking, knitting, crochet and boot scooting as well as Chinese mah-jong and new vogue dancing.
Tai chi for beginners and advanced is held again on Friday with indoor bowls, zumba, bridge and yoga. Saturday afternoon has table tennis with dancing in the evening while Sunday is devoted to new vogue sequence and bowls.
Call the club on 6260 7658 or email: secretaryherald@iinet.net.au
Balga Autumn Club secretary Barbara Price, who has worked at the club for 27 years, says there are many activities that its 140-odd members can enjoy.
“The club started around 1979 and members can take part in many activities including craft, knitting, crochet and cards,” she said. “Members make items for Perth Children’s Hospital and King Edward Memorial Hospital as well as blankets and beanies for Ronald McDonald House.
“There is carpet bowls, chair yoga, bingo, line dancing and zumba and art classes on Friday morning. We also have various outings and functions, all made possible through our excellent working committee.”
Call the club on 9344 3215 or email: barbara price7@bigpond.com
South Perth Senior Citizens Club, which has been running for around 60 years, hosts a weekly lunch for seniors every Tuesday. Members can take part in zumba, tai chi, pilates, yoga and dancing. Personal care from top to toe includes hairdressing and podiatry.
The 280-strong membership can also attend chess, mah-jong and scrabble games.
Contact the club on 9367 9880 or email: spsc@bigpond.com
The Harold Hawthorne Community Centre in Carlisle has a packed, year-long calendar, according to community activities officer Leanne Hampson.
“We have everything from arts and crafts to walking groups and teaching digital technology,” she said. “We are open to everybody and work to keep costs conservative.
“There is a monthly luncheon and show which involves a three-course meal and live entertainment. From Monday to Friday there is also a three-course meal. There is also takeaway or Meals on Wheels for those confined to home.
“We also have a social activity centre for people who need respite from acting as carer. A recent outing was to the Military Museum and the Albion Hotel with a drive along the coast.
“We have lots of workshops and various activities throughout the year. Just go to our website and take a look. We are conveniently located opposite the Carlisle train station”.
Call 9470 1155 or email: community@hhcentre.org
The Roleystone-Karragullen Seniors Club located in the old kindergarten building next to the fire station has an active membership including bowls games three days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and events including a recent Breakfast
at Tiffany’s event where ladies dressed up Audrey Hepburn-style and enjoyed a glass of champagne.
Call 9397 5203 or email: rksc@iinet.net.au
Belmont Senior Citizens Centre has a busy around of activities including boot scooting, step line, tai chi, carpet bowls, card games including canasta and hoy cards as well as bingo.
Within the 260-strong club there is an Italian club for members who enjoy conversing in their own language. Amenities include a hairdresser with members enjoying bus trips to Araluen and other popular spots.
Call 9478 1808 or email: belmsenmer@gmail.com
