Mablethorpe OAP Association was awarded £650 of Community Investment Funding by the Theddlethorpe GDF Community Partnership for the purchase of two new ovens to help with the running of their service, to provide hot food and be used as local venue.
The Association were in need of new ovens in their kitchen, and the funding has enabled the group to provide hot food to those attending their events.
The ovens also make the venue a much more attractive, affordable place to hire, which in turn will help the group to raise vital future income from bookings.
The group have approximately 50 members and they welcome anyone over the age of 50 to join them. They hold events, which are open to the public, including, weekly coffee mornings and monthly social events.
Talking about the purpose of the group, Kathleen Broadhurst, Treasurer and Secretary, said,
“It’s to bring people in, to get to know each other, to make friends. We just sit and talk, have food and we have a raffle.
“It’s so that people my age, and the elder people have got somewhere to go to meet people and make friendships. It gives them a few hours out, especially if they are on their own. We play bingo, and we have a laugh and a joke.”
Discussing how the regular meet ups make a difference to those that attend, Kathleen added,
“We have sausage baps and coffees. Some of them can’t do things for themselves, so by having hot food here at least they are getting something during the day. It gives them a social afternoon, time to laugh and joke, so they are not sitting around on their own all the time.
“We listen to what they’ve got to say and if you can help them, you’ll help them and if you can’t, then you’ll give them to someone that can help them.”
The group provides a valuable service in the community and with a fully working kitchen, the hall can now be hired out by other local interest groups in the area and for private events.
NWS Grants Manager, explained,
“We’re so pleased to have been able to support the Mablethorpe OAP Association with their project, and work with them to help make both their group and hall sustainable for years to come. With a dedicated team and available funding, our aim is to help others in the community,”
Read about the funding available and how to apply on our Community Investment Funding page.