Widdershins
Age Concern Torfaen has transformed the Widdershins building in Griffithstown into a centre where everyone is welcome. Widdershins is in East Avenue, off Greenhilll Road. It is on the Cwmbran to Pontypool bus route (Call Traveline on 0870 608 2608 for bus numbers and times).
Angela Reed, Centre Manager, said: “We want to encourage people who have never visited here before. There has been a huge change from what it was like previously. People see the Age Concern logo and make certain assumptions from that. But we want people to come and see for themselves. I’m sure new visitors will be surprised.
“We are an Ageing Well Centre which means we provide services to encourage people aged over 50 to exercise, socialise and have a healthy lifestyle. Our exercise classes aren’t traditional either. We are looking to start a ‘nordic walking’ class. Most of our classes have a small fee of around £3.
“But I want to stress that you don’t have to be aged over 50 to come into the centre! We have a bistro which serves meals and snacks at good prices all day. This is open to everyone of any age. Organisations can also book our meeting or conference rooms and we can provide hot meals or a buffet, and drinks.”
The centre features a computer centre and a health suite. A trained beauty therapist can do treatments including facials, massages and aromatherapy. An ancestry class meet every Wednesday from 10am to 12pm where you can get help tracing your family tree (cost £2 a week).
Angela said: “You can come in for a computer class, then have a haircut and have your nails done. The centre’s aim is to improve the life of over 50s. We also run a shopping scheme where we can pick people’s shopping up from Tesco or accompany the person to help them around the store.”
Call Widdershins on 01495 769264 for the latest information on what’s going on inside. It is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.
Fashion Show
A Fashion Show is being held in Widdershins in the evening on Thursday 19 April. Call the centre to book your ticket now.