For just R50 annually the South African Association for Retired Persons (SAARP) Jeffreys Bay Social Club hosts various social events, to keep the senior citizens in the area entertained, and they are now hoping to invite new members to join the club to further expand their reach and ensure the club remains active for many more years.
Vice-chairperson Jacky Opperman said that she established the Jeffreys Bay branch of the club alongside her late husband, Louis, in 2004 and the club is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year.
Opperman said that they initially formed the club, which has a main branch in Cape Town, when she and Louis moved to Jeffreys Bay and found that there were many pensioners staying in town with not much for them to do.
“When we moved to Jeffreys Bay in 2003 the town was filled with greenery and mostly senior citizens staying in the area. More than 20 years ago when we moved there were not many young people in the area,” said Opperman.
She said that since then they have hosted many activities for the senior citizens, and have expanded greatly with 146 active members.
Opperman said that members are required to be 50 years and older, and pay an annual fee of R50.
She said that they host many social events throughout the year with all outings subsidised.
“Each month we have a meeting, a lunch, quizzes on three separate days, multiple bingo evenings, day trips, an annual trip to Addo, Christmas lunch, and the highly-anticipated annual weekend away,” said Opperman.
Chairman John Petrelis said that the club has hosted many social gatherings each month, which has enabled the members to interact with others and form friendships.
He said that since the club is a non-profit organisation, they have embarked on various fundraising events, and have received lots of support from local businesses.
In turn, Petrelis said that they have encouraged their members to support these businesses.
Despite the clubs’ large membership, he said that they are hoping that more senior citizens in the town will consider joining.
Those who are interested in joining the club can attend their monthly meeting every third Thursday of each month at the Jeffreys Bay Bowling Club.
Doors open at 09:00 and the meeting will start at 10:00.
Membership secretary, Valerie Jackson, said that they arrange for various guest speakers to speak at their meetings throughout the year and give talks on interesting topics.
In addition, she said that for a small entrance fee visitors can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a sandwich, be entered into a lucky draw, browse the white elephant and book stalls, and make a few purchases while at the bowling club.
“Those who are interested in joining the club can also chat with our members or perhaps make new friends. We are a friendly bunch,” said Jackson.
She further said that those who have joined the club as members are welcome to serve on the committee, and assist in organising functions for their SAARP club.
“Life does not have to be boring after you reach a certain age; come along and join us. SAARP is ready to welcome you aboard,” said Jackson.
The committee members of the club are:
. John Petrelis – chairperson
. Jacky Opperman – vice-chairperson
. Cecile Heather – greeter
. Valerie Jackson – membership secretary
. Mark McConville – treasurer
. Gayle Webster – secretary
. Charmaine Prinsloo – communications
For more information contact Valerie Jackson on 082 622 3786 for more info.
