Club Vintage was launched on ‘Silver Sunday’ in 2021 in a bid to reach out to the elderly and isolated as the country came out of lockdown. It has proved to be a roaring success with 30 regular attendees joining together from 2pm to 4pm on a Wednesday at Bethel Baptist Church.

Each week of the month has a different theme including Love to Move, a chair-based exercise programme. There is also singing and visiting speakers. Messy Vintage takes place every month which is Messy Church for older people using Bible-based crafts and stories. Tea, coffee and cake are served every week.

One of those who appreciate the Club is Margaret Root, she said: “Club Vintage has been a lifesaver to me. I just love it. I miss my independence so much and always look forward to my Wednesday afternoons. It’s made such a difference particularly at a time when they’re cutting the bus service in the village.

“I can’t even walk to the bus stop or the surgery anymore. I am fortunate that a friend picks me up and takes me to Club Vintage. I had a wonderful sister but she died last April. She used to take me out all the time and I felt so much better for it. I love people and the more people that are around me the happier I am.”

According to Age UK, more than a million people in England say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member. Wendy Snead is a member of Bethel Baptist Church and is on the Club Vintage volunteer team. She said that the wellbeing of older people in the community was on the hearts of church members during lockdown. She said: “While the church has always been good at providing activities for young people, we realised there was a real need to reach out to older people.

“We particularly wanted to reach out to people with dementia and their carers to help with their physical and mental health. I lead the music activities at Club Vintage and we all have such a happy time.

“We sing all the classics from Elvis to the Beatles to Petula Clark and it is the most rewarding thing in the world seeing the joy on people’s faces. Wednesday afternoon has become the highlight of the week for so many older folk in the Swavesey area and many new friendships have been formed. It has given so many people, and their carers, a new lease of life.”

Everyone is welcome at Club Vintage. To book a place email admin@bethbaptistchurch.org.uk or ring 01954 230458. There is a small charge of £3 per person.