The Social Netwyre – local cause brings people together to alleviate loneliness

The very first meeting last May when the members planted a container for their gardens or patio.

Local cause ‘Over Wyre Social and Activity Club (OWSAC) were awarded £1000 from Orsted through the Walney extension community fund

This award will help keep the club going until 2020 and will cover the costs of materials, speakers, tutors and any other activities they undertake.

It’s a year since some members of Pilling Lane (Preesall) WI created the club to help alleviate loneliness in the local area, it is a big issue as there are many elderly people who have lost a partner or who cannot get out and about. Initially OWSAC applied for funding from the CO-OP local community causes which were successful, and the group are grateful for all the extra support given to them. The funding enabled them to get started and hold the first meeting, which had over thirty people come to find out what it was all about, the club is open to all adults men and women and is held monthly at St Oswald’s Church Hall in Preesall.

During the year membership has grown from strength to strength and is now at over 60 members. During a three month period OWSAC hold a musical afternoon, where the members love to join in and sing;  they have a creative meeting with activities ranging from making cards to assembling a handheld posy take place and finally there is an afternoon where someone will come a talk about a subject or demonstrate a skill, from schooling on Gilbert and Sullivan to learning how to create one pot meals.

At Christmas time there was a cracker filled party with Christmas presents for each member. The helpers all dressed up as elves and Sue Sporton (saxophonist) provided the music. OWSAC give everyone a variety of interesting things to do and chat about, since joining many members have made friends or renewed old friendships and are now going to other clubs and groups.   

Initially there was no charge as the costs came from the funding from given by the Co-Op, but many of the members wanted to contribute something so it was agreed they could donate towards the cost of the tea and cakes. Group spokesperson Christine White  said ‘We can’t thank Orsted enough for their generous donation and all I can say is ‘watch this space’.

For further information on OWSAC contact Anne Bewes 01253811712

Christmas Party, all joining in with 12 days of Christmas