Published on 15 July 2022

Golden jubilee for senior citizens

A club offering fun and friendship to Onkaparinga seniors for 50 years celebrated the milestone with a packed event in McLaren Vale earlier this month.

Attended by members past and present—as well as City of Onkaparinga Acting Mayor Simon McMahon and Rebekha Sharkie MP—the Southern Senior Citizens’ Club’s event took place at the McLaren Vale Function Centre on Monday 4 July, with lunch and speeches reflecting on the impact the club has made since its inception in 1972.

The club was founded by then Willunga Country Women’s Association (CWA) President Margo Burgess in 1972 as a place for her mother to socialise and find friendship and independence, and the club has endeavoured to preserve this goal ever since.

It was initially run from Willunga’s CWA rooms and then RSL hall before the club relocated to McLaren Vale Institute Hall in 1978.

The current clubroom, which is still part of the Institute Hall complex on Main Road, McLaren Vale, was opened by then Member for Kingston, Gordon Bilney, in 1994, following fundraising by the club and a government grant.

Then District Council of Willunga Mayor, Jim Aldridge, who’d been instrumental in helping the club find a place to call home, was also in attendance.

Club Secretary Pam Maslin said the club has been offering fun and friendship to the 55+ age group through various activities since its inception.

“Margo experienced firsthand the importance and benefits of the club through what it did for her mother and for herself,” Pam said.

“Her mother’s health improved to the extent where she moved into a unit to live independently, and also formed new friendships with whom she would meet regularly in their own homes as well as at the club.

“Margo herself was involved in the club for 42 years, only retiring as an honorary life member in 2014, due to ill health. She passed away aged 100 years in 2018.”

Pam said the club has a strong and active committee of volunteers and its main activities currently are indoor carpet bowls and cards, with meals, occasional outings and special events, including its annual birthday lunch and Christmas Party.

It has also previously held fundraising days for various charities, and hosted AFL Grand Final and Melbourne Cup Days.

She encouraged anyone aged 55+ interested in finding fun and friendship to come along to a meeting.

“We’re a friendly and fun group who enjoy socialising and encouraging one another, so why not come along and give us a try,” she said.

“Currently we have 43 active members and we’re looking for new members to help the club continue to grow and meet the goals for which it was commenced.

“We particularly encourage younger members in the 55+ age group to join us to help provide us with some fresh ideas.

“Ultimately our aim is to provide a place where older people can be encouraged to improve their health and wellbeing through social, physical and mental stimulation. Our emphasis is to enjoy yourself and have fun.”

Meeting times are Mondays from 9.30am to 3pm (indoor carpet bowls and cards/board games), Wednesdays from 9.30am to 12pm (indoor carpet bowls), and Fridays from 9.30am to 12pm (indoor carpet bowls).

The club also meets on the first Wednesday evening of each month to enjoy a meal together, followed by a couple of games of bowls. For those who don’t wish to play bowls, a game of cards or other board games can be offered.

For more information contact Pam on 0404 649 018 and find the club on Facebook.