Having fun at Club 80-95 -- I know a place in Edgware, where, for a mere £3.50 you can get live entertainment, a hot three course meal and take part in numerous creative pursuits.

The only catch is that you have to be elderly to qualify.

For the past seven years, the Edgware & Harrow Jewish Day Centre, 118 Stonegrove, Edgware, has been welcoming the elderly into its social circle.

While the members of the centre are being entertained, their carers are able to have a well deserved break.

It is run by dedicated volunteers and is open four days a week, Monday to Thursday from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

Anne-Marie Wolfryd, administrator at the day centre, said: "The average age of our members is between 80 and 95 years old.

"They do have to fit a certain criteria because we don't have the resources to give special attention."

The popular centre manages to attract between 60 and 65 members who are encouraged to take part in keep fit, debates on current affairs and painting.

An art teacher comes in to the centre from Tuesday to Thursday to guide and coach the members who are keen to tap into their creative sides.

They are encouraged to work in different mediums including oils, water colours and pastels.

Mrs Wolfryd said: "The paintings that are done here are second to none. Everyone who sees the work is very impressed by it."

Despite the quality of the work the centre cannot seem to attract an art tutor for their Monday sessions.

No matter, there is a plethora of other activities to occupy the minds of the members.

The knitting group, some of whom suffer with arthritis, make blankets for immigrants in Russia and Israel.

Over the years the group has made hundreds of blankets from wool which has been donated by members of the public.

Mrs Wolfryd said: "We are always looking for people to donate wool to us. As a registered charity we rely heavily on these donations in order to make the blankets.

"At the moment our supply is very low."

The afternoon period is usually devoted to some sort of entertainment for the members.

Singing and dancing features high on the list and among the members' favourites are Ron Goldberg and the Reverend Speier both of whom sing lively songs and dance.

Unlike most volunteer-run charities, the centre is more in need of extra ears not hands.

Mrs Wolfryd said: "Our members love to talk and most of them have some really wonderful stories to tell. They love to talk to people who are interested in what they have to say.

"Anyone and everyone that comes as either a member or a volunteer are surprised at how happy everyone is here.

"If anyone is thinking of becoming a volunteer all I can say is come and take a look at the centre because it pulls at your heart strings."

If you have any wool to donate or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer telephone Anne-Marie Wolfryd on 0181 958 8199.

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