Leisure group receives helping hand

An over-60s community group from Wakefield will embark on a sightseeing trip around the Derbyshire Dales and stage more diverse events for its members after they were awarded £1,000 through Wakefield and District Housing’s (WDH’s) Community Grant scheme.

Simply Leisure, which was set up in February 2008, meets every Monday at St. Swithun’s Centre in Eastmoor to give its members a chance to try their hand at a range of activities – from gardening to dancing.

The Community Grant was awarded to Simply Leisure by WDH’s Local Management Committee (LMC), who, as part of their role, decide on which causes would best benefit the community.

Chris Croxall, Tenant Involvement Officer for WDH said: “Simply Leisure is a community group that offers local people the opportunity to meet on a weekly basis and take part in a number of specially arranged events.

“The group is a valuable asset to the older residents of Eastmoor. The LMC want to make sure that they continue to serve the community long into the future and are delighted to help out in this way.”

The group has around 30 regular members who attend the weekly meetings to learn new skills and be entertained by local artists demonstrating their work.

Simply Leisure chairperson Maureen Rishworth said: “We try and do something different each week but the cost of organising such sessions along with the cost of the venue hire is a constant concern.

“We’re dependent on external funding so this Community Grant from WDH is extremely welcome. We can start to plan a special day out as well as organise activities for weeks to come.”

The group advertises its weekly events in the Eastmoor community column of the Wakefield Express and welcomes new members.

Maureen added: “It’s about community spirit. We want to bring the local residents together and we’re always encouraging the regular members to bring their husbands and wives so everyone can enjoy the events.”