Free Scooter hire from Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees this Christmas

strong>Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees are offering free mobility scooter hire in the run up to Christmas from their Choices Centre shop in Halifax town centre. We would like to offer a helping hand to anyone who has difficulty getting around the shops to get their Christmas shopping done.

This special promotion starts on Saturday 8 and will run through to Saturday 22 December when mobility scooter and wheelchair hire will be absolutely free from the Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees.

You can find the Choices Centre at 4-6 Woolshops, Halifax HX1 1RJ.

To avoid disappointment, telephone to book your scooter 01422 399830.
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Reminder – Christmas film at Ryburn Valley High School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PS: Don’t forget to let Karen know if you are going

Let’s celebrate Christmas together

Latest news from Illingworth’s LA Group

Illingworth and Bradshaw’s Local Activity Group have announced their December activity dates, showing when classes will be breaking for Christmas and start back in the new year.
You can find out what’s on when on our ‘What’s on’ page here.

As well as the regular programme of weekly activities, which includes art, Tai Chi, keep fit, Kurling, bridge and, trips and other tasters are also in the pipeline so if you’ve been thinking about trying something new for 2013, why not get in touch with LA Group?

Full details of what the group is up to can be found on their website, which is updated daily:
www.illingworthandbradshaw.btck.co.uk

Companionship at Christmas

Do you know someone who will be alone at Christmas?

Abbeyfield’s Companionship at Christmas scheme provides free festive lunches and overnight stays to older people who would otherwise be alone during the Christmas period.

For the third year running, Abbeyfield is inviting these people to spend time at an Abbeyfield house or care home for a free festive dinner or even an overnight stay – giving older people an alternative to spending the period alone throughout the holidays (24th December – 4th January).

The only requirements are that you are:

• Over 55
• Alone over Christmas
• Currently living independently

In Halifax, the scheme will be running at Ing Royd, which is in Savile Park, Halifax. (Click here to view on a map.)

If you are alone this Christmas or know someone who might be you can contact Abbeyfield on 0845 052 3553.

Reminder – Christmas film at Ryburn Valley High School

Get busy in Northowram

If you live in or near Northowram, you’ll be pleased to know there are lots of activities and classes for people over 50 taking place in the village. From zumba, yoga and pilates to choir, photography and luncheon clubs, there’s something for everyone. Click here to find out more.

Here are just a few classes:

‘Extend’ exercise class

Gentle exercise to music – suitable for all abilities – this is a new class that’s just started. A really friendly group with a cuppa at the end. 2.00 – 3.00 every Thursday. £1.50 per session. All welcome!

Young at Heart Club

A social group for over 55′s ,eeting every Monday, 9.30am to 12.30pm. We play a variety of games including table tennis, shuffle board, snooker and board games. £3.00 per session.

Flower Club

A fortnightly flower arranging group which runs twice a year in twelve-week blocks. You buy your own flowers and then of course take your arrangement home. Professionally tutored with three demonstrations each session and then at the next session you choose one of the arrangements to make yourself.  Venue: Northowram Methodist Church on Northowram Green. Next course: October 4th,11th & 25th, November 8th & 29th and December 13th – will be making Christmas arrangements amongst others. Cost: £24 payable at first session (works out at £4 per week).

For more information contact Sheena on Sheenmarian@aol.com.

You may also be interested in the new(ish!) Northowram village website which can be found here: www.northowram.org

Happy Christmas from the Crafty Club!

Illingworth’s Crafty Club wished everyone a very happy Christmas today as they celebrated with drinks and nibbles. We just had to share the lovely picture with you all!

The club is open throughout the festive season when many activities close, so if you fancy a cuppa, a laugh (and by the looks of it some lovely food) drop in – they meet every Wednesday, 10 til 12 at Illingworth Fire Station community room (round the back).

Overgate Hospice Choir annual Gala Concert at Halifax Minster

Overgate Hospice Choir is delighted to welcome the gifted young players of the Elland Silver Youth Band and conductor Samantha Harrison to the Choir’s popular carol concert on Saturday 17 December, 7pm at Halifax Minster, Causeway, Halifax (click here for a map).

Tickets available from 01422 345414 or email enquiries@overgatehospicehcoir.co.uk

Event begins at 7 pm
Admission: £10.00

Open doors this Christmas

Of all the times of the year not to be on your own, Christmas is right up there.  There are plenty of examples of people and organisations opening their doors (and hearts) to those living on their own – but nowhere near enough.

To help combat that, national charity Abbeyfield is launching a nationwide campaign, Companionship at Christmas – a home-from-home alternative for older people wishing to spend the festive period with others. They are inviting members of local communities with elderly neighbours living alone, family members in need of respite support and those who plan to spend the Christmas period alone to get in touch with Abbeyfield.

They are offering overnight stays and Christmas lunches throughout the festive season (24th December – 4th January) across Abbeyfield houses nationally – totally free of charge.

Locally, Ing Royd, on Broomfield Avenue, Halifax (near the hospital) will be one of the properties serving lunches on Christmas day. If you know of someone who might benefit, get in touch by calling 0845 052 3553. Or visit www.abbeyfield.com/Pages/CompanionshipatChristmas.asp.

Shop local this Christmas

Don’t know what to buy as a gift for Christmas ? Visit the Piece Hall shops! As the UK’s economic sitution grows tougher, there’s never been a more important time to shop local and support Calderdale businesses.

There are over 30 lovely shops in the Piece Hall that sell all kinds of gifts for Christmas (and beyond). You could pick up a one of kind lamp for someone special from Gina B Glass, or a jigsaw for your Dad from Red Patch, or how about your own personalised Christmas Cake topper from Little You, or a fancy new guitar strap for a budding musician from Maestro Music, or a collectible teddy for your little sister from Serendipity.

Or treat yourself to a good read on a cold winters night by popping along to the Piece Hall Book-shop, whilst munching on your favourite toffee from Sweet Memories snuggled up in a home-made blanket made from wool bought at Three Bags Full in your vintage pyjamas from Purple Rabbit or Vintage Darling.

Enjoy music while you shop! 12 noon – 2 pm:

• 17 December – Littleborough Brass Band
• 18 December – Royal British Legion Band.
• Winter Wonderland Fun Fair: 16 – 24 December . Rides and Stalls for all the family

To view a full lists of shops in the Piece Hall visit the website: www.thepiecehall.co.uk/shopping  There is so much to choose from, all under one unique and beautiful building!

For more information on local shopping and hidden gems throughout Calderdale, visit the Totally Locally website: www.totally-locally.co.uk

Skipton Christmas Market, this Sunday!

We’ve two seats left on our trip to Skipton Christmas Market this Sunday – if you and a friend would like to join us, please read the information below and phone the Neighbourhood Schemes Team on 01422 393794 before 4pm Friday  to book your seats!

By popular demand we have organised another coach trip, in conjunction with Arrow Coaches:

Skipton Yuletide Festival and Christmas Market

Sunday 11^th December

 

The Yuletide Festival is an ideal opportunity to sample a great atmosphere – and to bag yourself a pre-Christmas bargain at the same time. In fact, you could do all of your Christmas shopping in one go at the fabulous range of independent shops, market stalls and famous high street brands. Skipton also has two department stores – and a fabulous range of places to eat and drink. The day’s entertainment culminates in a spectacular light procession.

Leaving from Halifax Bus Station (Stand F) at 9.40am and setting off back from Skipton around 4.30/5pm. 

Cost: £8.00 per person 

* BOOKING ESSENTIAL * Please phone the Neighbourhood Schemes Team on 01422 393794 if you would like to reserve a seat.

Pinocchio – Special matinee for all retired people

This December Square Chapel Centre for the Arts, Halifax will be filled with songs and merriment as Pinocchio by Proper Job Theatre Company comes to our beautiful 18^th Century theatre.
We thought your group may be interested to know that on Monday 12 December at 1.30pm we have a special Senior Citizens Matinee performance with half price tickets of just £5.
The production has a cast of children from across Calderdale acting alongside professional adult actors with puppetry, singing, live music and an awe-inspiring set making this an entertaining show for the festive period. It offers the perfect way for your retired members to enjoy a truly memorable experience together.
Based on Carlo Collodi’s darkly humorous book, Pinocchio is merely a wooden puppet created by a carpenter but he desperately longs to be so much more than just a puppet. He wants to be a ‘real’ boy just like the other boys in school… but can this implausible dream ever come true?
Join us on a journey of adventures, mischief, tears and laughter brought to life on stage with a bag full of theatrical tricks. Evoking the Italian style of commedia dell’arte and truer to the original book than the Disney film, Proper Job strives to bring you an experience filled with comedy and drama aimed to keep you on the edge of your seats.
Last year we did the same offer for Scrooge – A Christmas Carol, and we received such good feedback that we have decided to do it again. This time we will throw in a cup of free mulled wine, or tea or coffee, and a mince pie in the offer.
The show is 2 hours including an interval. This special Senior Citizens Matinee performance is Monday 12 December at 1.30pm. Tickets are £5 for all retired people.
For more information or to book please call the Box Office on 01422 349422 or visit http://www.squarechapel.co.uk.

Bailiff Bridge Christmas Market