As part of a new Parish Council policy for staff, Stephanie Norton – who handles room bookings for the Village Hall – spent a day volunteering at the Monday Club in Eynsham.
Making the decision to donate her time to the Monday Club, which used to be known as the Day Centre, was an easy one for Steph as “it holds a special place in my heart; my Nan used to attend and now I can see why she loved it so much.”
The Monday Club is held weekly at the Village Hall from 10am until 2.30pm, on every Monday throughout the year expect on Bank Holidays. It’s open to anyone aged 65 and over, costing just £10 each session (reductions available for those bringing their own lunch).
“It’s so well organised,” Steph commended after her volunteering day. “It provides a welcoming place for folk to enjoy company, a variety of activities and entertainment, a cooked lunch and plenty of tea and coffee. I had a great time chatting to many of the members, enjoyed a delicious lunch and loved the entertainment provided by the local band The Wooden Tops.”
The club relies on volunteers and Steph was impressed by their hard work and cheer. “The other regular volunteers were really friendly and do a fantastic job every week. I know they would always welcome extra help if anyone fancies it?”
This is something that Lesley Bourne, co-ordinator of Monday Club and the only paid employee, would echo: “Volunteers are key to the Monday club, without them it just would not exist, let alone function.”
She welcomed the extra help that Steph provided recently, noting that she was “able to help right from the off by being very open to going around chatting to people, which is much valued. Fortunately, she had some tentative links with some of our attendees and was able to fit in well. She was great.”
Under normal circumstances, Monday Club requires volunteers who can attend on a regular basis and have a positive attitude, being happy to get involved with the variety of activities that take place. It can be very rewarding, says Lesley:
“I have heard volunteers say on many occasions that their time at Monday Club sets them up for the week. People ‘work’ to whatever their capabilities and attributes. We do not have formal training; it’s a case of mucking in and getting involved, with a bit of guidance if needed.”
Steph certainly agrees about how satisfying volunteering at the Monday Club can be and has welcomed the new Parish Council volunteering policy that led to the experience. “The policy is a fantastic incentive for Parish Council employees to get out there and experience how clubs and organisations run in the community,” she said. “I will be using my other day to do the same again later in the year and I’m already looking forward to it.”
For more information about the Monday Club and to register interest in either attending or volunteering, contact Lesley on 07729 813229.