Café 50 is a vibrant, busy social hub set right in the heart
of Pontyclun. It’s been around for almost a decade but you’d be forgiven for
not knowing much about it. When the council originally took it over, it was
still very much associated by the locals as the Day Centre.
Eight years ago, the Community Council opened Café 50 after
the Day Centre closed. In those 8 years Café 50 has become a social hub for the
over 50s. Groups start at 9am most days
and range from exercise, languages, interest specific, musical and so much
more. The hub has the sole aim of ensuring no one spends retirement lonely or
bored.
Now though nothing could be further from the truth.
The décor has changed and been modernised, the groups and
activities have become more inclusive and fun; there is a lot more variety,
along with a fantastic kitchen service offering delicious meals and snacks. The kitchen is run by Learning Curve
Enterprises; a social aspect of RCT Adult Services, offering adults with
learning difficulties, the opportunity to learn new skills. The team are
fabulous, and so welcoming and helpful.
Their Thursday Carvery is beautiful and the desserts are outstanding.
Most of the groups are run by wonderful volunteers and group
leaders who are always on hand to chat, listen and include.
Tara Davies, who manages the facility, said “Café 50 is a
welcome haven for anyone. We offer a unique experience that isn’t really found
anywhere else. Our users are all so lovely and plenty have made lasting
friendships here that they may not have found anywhere else. It is very hard to
put into words just how fantastic this place is”.
An average week starts with the Welcome Friends group, where
attendees can join in with crafting, board games or charity knitting. There is
also a digital table where users can learn all things technical on a more one
to one basis. The afternoon welcomes the Afternoon Social group; set up for
anyone living with or caring for someone with dementia. This group is run by a
team of volunteers and the wonderfully vivacious Sabrina, of The Jolly Good
Company, offering a safe haven for individuals and their carers. It’s a happy
afternoon, filled with tea, biscuits, songs and laughter.
The rest of the week is a blur of amazing food, from fish
and chips to a beautiful carvery style lunch finished off with cherry crumble.
Quizzers, Art & History groups; two low impact exercise classes to burn off
all the amazing food, and three different yoga & tai chi style classes,
suitable for all levels and abilities. We also spotted beginners Spanish class,
ready for the summer holidays we have all been waiting for.
Once a month you can pull up a comfy chair, grab some
popcorn and sit back and relax at the monthly Film Club. If you have
grandchildren, they offer a biweekly Grandparents hour, where you can meet other
grandparents while the children play games, get involved in craft projects or
just enjoy some home-made cookies, perfect, especially when the weathers miserable.
As if all that isn’t enough, they hold regular special seasonal
events with Action for Elderly recently funding free Valentine’s Day & St
David’s Day lunches and an Easter Picnic. Future events are being planned
hopefully to include a summer picnic (including some virtual horse racing) an autumn
Murder mystery adventure and of Course Café 50’s legendary Christmas Dinners
Tara Davies can be contacted on cafe50@pontyclun-cc.gov.wales or on 01443 238500.
No comments:
Post a Comment