Today Age UK Lincoln celebrated the completion of a £700,000 refurbishment of its Park Street Activity Centre.

Following the improvements, the charity now offers a choice of 26 classes under the same roof as legal, insurance and pensions advice for up to 2,000 people a week.

To mark the event, members of the public took part in free activities through the day including Zumba, New Age Kurling and a walking football tournament with Lincoln City Football Club. The Mayor, Mayoress, Sheriff and Consort of Lincoln also joined the celebrations and had a tour of the new facilities.

The centre was formally relaunched by the Chief Executive, Michele Seddon, who thanked the public and sponsors for their kind donations.

Originally built in 1969, the centre required extensive repairs, electrical rewiring, an extension of the restaurant and a brand new three-storey extension to house insurance, advice and support services under one roof.

“Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors The Bradbury Foundation and Skylarks Endowment Fund and support from Rakon, Wilkin Chapman and our customers we are now able to offer even more people in Lincoln a place to learn new skills, meet new people and get free benefits advice and support,” said Michele Seddon, Chief Executive for Age UK Lincoln.

“Many people don’t realise the extent of the services we offer: not only do we have a choice of 26 classes at our activity centre including Zumba, tai chi, yoga, dancing, knitting and Scrabble but we also offer one-to-one computer lessons and insurance, legal and pensions advice.

“As a local charity we rely heavily on donations from members of the public and local businesses, and with their support we can continue to help more older people to live independently at home for longer.”

Rosemary Biggs came to the relaunch day to find out what activities are on offer at Age UK Lincoln.

“Zumba was good fun and I will give it another try. I notice they have yoga on Thursdays which I will be bringing my friends along to,” she said.

Volunteers Sheila Taylor, Rena Fish and Sheila Pike have been volunteering for Age UK Lincoln for 12 years combined.

Sheila said: “We volunteer in the kitchen waitressing and serving in the restaurant. A lot of people like it here, they come to meet up with friends, have lunch and chat before taking part in a class, which can be anything from crafts and knitting to yoga. We really enjoy it; it’s really sociable and a great way to meet new friends.”

“We had our own businesses previously but now we’re retired volunteering here gives us a purpose,” added Rena.

Previously Age UK Lincoln offered Help in the Home, Personal Care, Volunteering and Technical Services from Sixfield Close off Skellingthorpe Road in Lincoln.

The construction work was undertaken by Lindum Construction.

Follow Age UK Lincoln on Twitter @ageuklincoln

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Age UK Lincoln is an independent charity which is part of the national Age UK network. Registered charity number 1078539.

• This year Age UK Lincoln celebrated its 55th anniversary on 7th June 2013.

• Age UK Lincoln’s aim is to enable people to lead full and active lives and stay safe and independent within their homes.

• The activity centre on Park Street, Lincoln is free to attend for people over 50 and doesn’t require membership. It offers activities such as language or art classes, dancing, computer skills, friendship clubs and more.

• The activity centre also offers free information and advice on issues such as finance, benefits, housing options and personal budgets.

• More information can be found at www.ageuk.org.uk/lincoln/

For media information please contact:
Sarah Howells
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
sarah@weareshootingstar.co.uk
[ageuklincoln16Parkstreetrelaunch]