This is a hot topic and I was pleased to talk to Mike Waddington from Shine Radio. Age Concern Petersfield would encourage you to apply for pension credit as this gives you access to the winter fuel payment and other benefits. Call the Govt number 0800 99 1234 and you will be guided through the process, or contact Citizens Advice in Petersfield to help you apply on 0808 278 7901.

The interview is here:  Age Concern Petersfield say apply now for your pension credits

Wow! Our 60th party was absolutely fantastic! The room was packed, we had the wonderful Debbie Cobbett singing 60s songs, lots of people dancing, a delicious buffet, best dressed competition, who could do the best twist. It was so much fun! Lots of guests came dressed in their 60s clothes, and it was great to celebrate our birthday with staff, volunteers and clients all together like one big family.

We were thrilled to be offered free entry to the Petersfield Museum which is also hosting the Peggy Guggenheim exhibition. Clients were treated to a talk and tour, and to try out a classic ‘Peggy pose’ in the deckchair. I think that Jean, one of our lunch club clients, has done a pretty good impression!

I had a lovely surprise this morning when Gabriel Hearst, the treasurer from the Winton Players, said we are the chosen charity for this year’s donation. We run many different services to improve people’s lives and the donation of £250 is greatly appreciated. Here we are in the sunny garden at Winton House. Gabriel is also a volunteer driver for our minibus taking clients into town for shopping, and driving for some of our outings.

McDonald Homecare kindly fundraised for our charity at the recent Petersfield Festivities. The public had to spin a wheel to raise funds for us and other charities. Sheridan received the cheque of £200 which will be put towards running our services for the local older community. Thank you very much.

The wonderful team at Lunch Club celebrated D-Day with style by decorating the room and tables to welcome in members for the D-Day 80th anniversary. Pictures were taken of everyone and will be made into a booklet as a keepsake of the event. Thanks to Marian, our cook, and the team of volunteer helpers that always put so much thought into making lunch club special.

A warm welcome to Kym Devine who is now the Co-ordinator for our Outings and Transport services. Kym already worked for us running our Help at Home Service, but has now expanded her role to keep our drivers, minibus and outings all running smoothly. For a copy of the latest outings programme, see the link on this website. 

A huge thank you to Ann Lee, one of our lunch club clients, who recently turned 90 and was thrown a party by her family. Instead of gifts she asked for donations to our charity. I’m pleased to say that her generous friends and family raised £341 for us! We rely on donations and legacies to run all of our services so this thoughtfulness was very much appreciated.

The Silver Charity donated 60 fabulous gift bags to us which we handed out to our lunch club members. They were delighted to receive them. Inside were puzzles, crafts, a notepad and pencils, and some sweet treats. It really brightened up everyone’s day.

Our Body Positive class has been so popular that we have created a second class. Led by Bobbie, the class uses a chair as a prop to strengthen every muscle in the body. They have a good laugh and many go to the Winton’s Cafe afterwards which has been an unexpected bonus of holding the classes at Winton House. Some of our attendees have also roped their husbands into coming along. We run the classes in blocks of 6 weeks on a Friday morning for £30. Do let us know if you would like to join the next group.