Age UK B&NES is offering lots of different activities across the area for those over 50, to take advantage of the days getting warmer and the evenings getting longer.
The charity says it’s the perfect time to stretch yourself – either mentally or physically – by doing something new or different.
If you’re keen to learn about using laptops or iPads why not try one of the beginners’ IT classes?
Age UK B&NES runs four-week courses in Bath; each class lasts an hour and the aim is to teach the basics and improve confidence.
Each pupil receives one-to-one tuition from a volunteer, and areas covered include emailing, using the internet and word-processing.
The course costs £12 and takes place on a Wednesday morning at St Michael’s Centre, St Michael’s Place, Bath. To book a place or find out more, contact Kate Tate on 01225 466135.
Gadget Busters runs at The Hub in a Pub at the Stoke Inn, Chew Stoke, and is for anyone wanting to get more out of their IT gadgets.
People normally turn up with all sorts of questions, from how to download music onto their laptops, to how to use their iPad, and skyping their friends.
Just turn up on Wednesday April 8 and 22, with your questions and problems, and the helpful volunteers will work with you to help you develop your knowledge and confidence. Sessions run from 1.30 – 3.30pm, and the cost is £3.
The Art Group meets every Tuesday at St Michael’s Centre. The group learns about painting, drawing, ceramics and more, and there are regular trips to galleries and exhibitions of the group’s work.
To meet demand, another group will launch on April 16, and will run every Thursday afternoon.
The charity’s Culture Club is offering the following:
March 26, 2-4pm, St John’s Hospital, Bath.
“Why is China called ‘China’?” – Allan Sensicle gives a brief history – with slides and examples – of the manufacture of Chinese clay and porcelain figures, bowls and vases. Admission free.
April 30, 2-4pm, Ora et Labora, Church Street, Bath (near the Abbey – NB there are steps down to the workshop).
Interactive activities including beeswax candle-making, brass-rubbing, and medieval food tasting, plus an historical talk. A £5 charge applies (to be paid in advance – first come, first served). A medieval lunch is also available from 1pm (soups, terrines, cheeses and preserves £7, with alcohol £10 – bookable in advance).
On the first Tuesday of every month the Keynsham Older People’s Group (KOPS) meets at the Old Post Office, from 2-4pm. It runs a varied programme of talks, music and trips out.
The Hub in a Pub at the Stoke Inn, Chew Stoke
The Hub in a Pub is holding a special Hub Day on April 8, when older people are being encouraged to come along and put forward their ideas of what they might like to see happening in their area in future.
“We want to involve older people in planning and designing activities in the Chew Valley,” said Janet Dabbs.
“We also want to meet local people with skills, knowledge or interests that they would like to share with others.
“Please don’t be shy, this might be in the areas of arts & crafts, food and nutrition, keeping healthy, exercise fitness, life management skills, local history, natural history, literature, writing, theatre, cinema, photography, walking, card playing, darts, pub games, fishing, dominos – anything you’re passionate about and would like to share with others.”
The Hub Day will run from 10.30 – 12 noon and will lead to a 12-month programme of activities with support funding from Bath & North East Somerset Council. A pick-up service in the Age UK B&NES minibus is being offered – please call Karen on 07581 318978 or Kate on 01225 466135 to arrange transport.
The programme of Talks and Tours with the Bath Museums continues with a visit to the American Museum on Tuesday April 14. Transport from the Hub is being organised. To find out more and book your place, contact Karen Lyne on 07581 318978 / [email protected].
The Chew Valley Lunch Bunch meets on Thursday April 9, at 12.30 at The Blue Bowl in West Harptree – contact Carole Reed on 07934955690 to reserve your place.
The Chew Valley Wanderers walking group meets twice in April, on Thursday April 9, at The Black Horse, Clapton in Gordano (BS20 7RH) and on Thursday April 23, near Clevedon Golf Centre (BS21 6UU). The starting time is 10.30am for both. Contact walk leader Roger Owen on 01934 863625 or 07762560293 for more information.
Age UK B&NES also runs regular walking groups in Bath, Keynsham, Paulton, Midsomer Norton and the Chew Valley.
To find out more about any of these activities, or to book your place, contact Ketyn Jepson or KateTate on 01225 484510. Information can also be found at www.ageukbanes.co.uk or you can email [email protected]
