The group was set up some 12 years ago by Molly, who lives close to the community centre. Molly is just as enthusiastic about hosting the coffee morning now as she was then. The coffee morning meets on Tuesdays from 10.30am until 12.30pm. The main purpose is to promote social interaction over a cup of coffee and a cake. Often, participants engage in painting and craft activities. Linda, one of the residents, often brings her paints and teaches others how to express themselves creatively and introduces new techniques. Even those who think they can’t paint are enjoying this new skill.

They also love a game of bingo, although it doesn’t seem to feature as often as it used to, some years ago.  Members, or as they call themselves, friends, have become even closer during the pandemic as they know how important it is to look after one another. Outside of organised activities, they meet up in the pocket park next to the community centre and call each other daily to check that all is well. Molly says, “We all support one another, we do, and we keep in touch with one another during the week, if someone has a problem, at least it is someone to talk too. We do games on Wednesday evenings, so that’s another opportunity to be social.”

An annual pub lunch and an annual outing are other activities they very much enjoy. To qualify for these activities, you must attend at least 3 of the weekly meetings. You don’t have to be Roupell Park resident in order to be able to join this group, as a matter of fact, already, some active members live outside the estate. You must be 60 years plus.