Tony Flood tells how Alice Croft House supports its Over 50s club with a charity shop
Additional text and pictures by Heather Flood)
Alice Croft House, a club for the over 50s in Eastbourne town centre, is a unique self-funding charity that makes life for the elderly so much better.
When they needed to generate more income Alice Croft House took drastic action by opening a charity shop nine years ago to help fund the installation of a new lift at their clubhouse and maintain the building.
The lift meant that people with mobility issues could attend the club in Cornfield Lane, Eastbourne, BN21 4NE (behind the David Salmon furniture store in South Street).
Alice Croft House offers a wide range of activities, including whist, exercise classes, Zumba Gold, snooker, table tennis, Tai Chi at three levels, curling, seated pilates, chair yoga and bingo plus coffee mornings.
It has continued to flourish thanks to the income generated from the popular charity shop at 16 Grove Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4TR.
General manager Amanda Newton says: “The shop has been a big success, selling books, bric-a-brac, clothes and accessories, homewares and CDs and DVDs featuring films and music at bargain prices. Adults clothes are priced from £1 and children’s clothes from 50 pence, while donated school uniforms are free.”
Up to 12 volunteers come in to run the shop, which is open from 10 am to 4 pm on Mondays to Fridays.
The Over 50s club is open to members and non-members from Mondays to Fridays between 9.30 am and 4 pm. Club leader Kim Coleman and Amanda split their time working in either the club or the shop.
The multi-tasking Kim says: “It is heartening to provide activities for so many older people to enjoy, and our shop – the only independent charity shop in Eastbourne – continues subsidising the club.”
Vacancies exist for more members in most sections, including friendly whist sessions on Fridays from 1.30 pm to 4 pm. Those aged over 50 can simply turn up to the whist at 1.30 pm or telephone Tony Flood on 01323 471726 for more details.
The club is closed for the Christmas break from 4 pm on Friday, December 20th until Monday, January 6th.
Further details about all activities can be provided by Kim on 01323 728157 or emaiilng info@alicecrofthouse.co.uk Leaflets are available at both the club and the shop and details are also available on the website http://www.alicecrofthouse.co.uk
Alice Croft House Over 50s Club was formed in 1954 for older people in Eastbourne to combat loneliness and provide activities for their health and well-being.
It is still going strong and continuing to offer an excellent service to the older generation.
* People wishing to volunteer their services or make donations should speak to Amanda or Kim at the shop.
