40 years of friendship and fun

A group that provides friendship and activities for elderly people has celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Newark Chauntry Group marked the milestone with a celebration at the Palace Theatre attended by most of its 42 members, the Mayor of Newark, Mr Tony Roberts, and the chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Mr Tom Bickley.

There was a display of photographs and explanations of the group’s history, plus tea, cake and a chance to reminisce.

The group was founded in 1970 after the principal and head tutor at Newark Technical College, Dr Eric Ashton and Mr Jack Penrose, devised a plan to provide retired people in the area with the chance to spend a day at the college socialising and learning new skills and interests.

The group took its name from Chauntry Park, where the college on Friary Road now stands.

The group secretary, Mr Geoff Foulds, said: “There were 25 to 30 different activities that people could do, from dress-making to car maintenance.

“It wasn’t organised by gender. There were many women who did mechanical courses and men who learned domestic skills.”

At the time membership cost just five shillings, the equivalent of 25p today, for a whole year and full use of all the college facilities.

However, in the 1980s and 1990s, the group found itself squeezed by reduced Government funding and use of college facilities. Membership dwindled and by the year 2000 fewer than 20 people attended.

Mr Foulds said: “When I joined in 2004 there were only 17 members, and we were told we would have to find a new venue.

“That started us thinking about the Palace, which was the site of the old Chauntry House.”

The group meets for 21/2 hours on Friday afternoons.

Membership has climbed to more than 40, and activities on offer include crafts, tai chi, line dancing, pantomime and chair-based exercise classes.

The group has applied for lottery funding to expand what it can offer.

Mrs Kathleen Burkitt, 91, of Millgate, Newark, has been involved with the group since it started.

She was working at the college as a technical assistant in the domestic science department when the group began using the facilities.

She said: “It was popular with men as well as the ladies because if they had lost their wives they were taught how to cook.

“We had hundreds of people and they did every craft you could think of. They were things that required some skill as well.

“I get company and companionship from being in the group now.”

Mrs Audrey Dunkel, 88, of Warwick Road, Balderton, has been a member for 20 years.

She said: “I had just retired when I became a member. It gives me friendship and entertainment. We get speakers, outings and a cup of tea.”

For more information about the group, open to anyone who is retired, contact Mr Foulds on 01636 659239.