Special Events Archives

The Lifetime Community Christmas 2024 was a joyous event with music and song, festive food and drink and a real sense of community.

The event brought together Lifetime members and volunteers, Gateway colleagues and friends who gathered to mark the festive season. The morning started off with children from St Barnabas School who entertained the audience with some carols and was followed by the Lifetime Choir who were in fine voice. There was a fantastic array of freshly baked cakes and also a “soup and chat”. There were some makers and crafters stalls with a fabulous array of gifts.

Thank you to all the volunteers who made the event special whether you baked, served drinks, entertained and generally ensured that everyone had a lovely time.

Thank you for your support throughout the year, we really appreciate it.

Wishing everyone a happy Christmas and a peaceful new year, from the Lifetime Team.

Warrington Housing Association Hosts Cream Tea Afternoon for Dementia UK

In a heart-warming display of community support, colleagues at Warrington Housing Association (WHA) extended a warm invitation to individuals living with dementia and their carers for a delightful afternoon of friendship and refreshments. The event, held in aid of Dementia UK’s ‘Time for a Cuppa’ campaign and raising funds to support local activities for people living with dementia, brought together individuals from various backgrounds to share in the simple joys of friendship, a cup of tea and a scone.

David Cummins, the Chief Executive of WHA, expressed his delight in spending the day with the attendees, emphasising the importance of fostering connections and creating meaningful experiences for those individuals living with dementia. “It was lovely to spend the afternoon with our groups, their families and carers” David remarked, reflecting on the significance of such gatherings in fostering a sense of community and support.

The Cream Tea Afternoon gave a moment of respite for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers who enjoyed being together.

It was evident that the event had left a lasting impression on all those involved Through events like these, Warrington Housing Association continues to embody its commitment to creating inclusive and supportive communities, where everyone feels valued and supported, making Warrington a great place to live.

For more information about Lifetime Dementia Café please contact The lifetime team 01925 246824 email mail@lifetmegateway.org.uk

Entertainment from The Showman – Jason Oliver

Afternoon Tea & Free Raffle

When it’s cold and grey outside, getting people together to connect over a warming cuppa and a good conversation helps to make us feel better and manage the ups and downs of life.

Join us for a cup of tea and a cake on

Monday 27th January

10.30-12.30pm

LifeTime 101 Sankey Street, Warrington,

WA 1 1SR

We would be delighted to have you!

All proceeds will go to the Samaritans

Come along and join in the fun to celebrate older peoples celebration day!

To book your place please contact LifeTime:

Tel: 01925 246824, mail@lifetimegateway.org.uk

Front: L-R LifeTime member and volunteer Mary Tyrrell with Gerry Kiddle, director of LifeTime

More than 7,000 activities and events have taken place at our LifeTime centre over the last five years to help improve the lives of older people in Warrington.

Staff, volunteers, health professionals and members of LifeTime, based at The Gateway, held a fifth birthday celebration to commemorate the achievements of the centre.

Over the five years there have been more than 62,000 visits to LifeTime events and activities by people over the age of 50 and today, more than 600 people regularly take part, at least once a month, in one of the 50 activities run each week from Zumba, art and photography, to craft sessions, IT skills, a choir and day trips.

Gerry Kiddle, director of LifeTime, which is run by Warrington Housing Association, said since launching in 2013, LifeTime has become a vital service to improve health and reduce loneliness and isolation – with fun and engaging events and activities.

She added: “There is an image of what people think later life is – but LifeTime aims to change that. We want people to enjoy whatever they want to do at any stage of their life – taking on a new hobby or interest and making friends does not have an age limit.

“Later life does not have to be boring and most importantly – it does not have to be lonely. Each day, a GP sees between 1 and 5 patients because they are lonely, but LifeTime – together with partner organisations in Warrington – can change this with exciting events and activities taking place all week to suit men and women. We are delighted to be celebrating all that LifeTime has achieved on our fifth birthday – we can end loneliness for older people in Warrington.”

LifeTime member Mary Tyrrell started coming to the centre when she moved to Warrington two years ago after her husband sadly passed away.

She said: “I quite often felt very lonely living in a part of the country which was new to me. But I then met a lovely lady on a bus, who introduced me to LifeTime, and it was from then my life took an unexpected turn for the better.

“Since joining in March 2016, I have made many new friends by attending activities, which not only keep me active and fit, but also give me a sense of wellbeing and something worthwhile to look forward to.

“In particular I love to sing, it is a very sociable and fun environment and I come away feeling energised and really happy.

“I now volunteer, and I can honestly say that LifeTime has turned my life around and I would definitely recommend it to anyone finding themselves in a similar situation to mine – there is no need for anyone in Warrington to be lonely.”

LifeTime has 40 regular volunteers that support the running of the centre, helping to set up groups, activities and events.

Two volunteers that have been at LifeTime since it opened are Margaret and Bernard Whitley.

Margaret said: “Over the years, we have seen people grow in confidence – and people who struggled at first to get involved are now running groups – which is amazing!

“The great thing about LifeTime is that you can come in and tell us what you would like to do, and we will try and do it, as it is important to make sure people stay active in retirement. Come and give it a go – everyone is welcome!”

For more information on LifeTime and its regular events and activities go to www.lifetimegateway.org.uk

There is still time to book your place for this event. The afternoon includes music from a local DJ, Raffle and Food/Refreshments.

Thursday 13th July

1pm to 4pm

£5 per person

By special request transport is now available absolutely FREE for those who require it.

Coach leaves Golden Gates- 12.30pm

Coach Leaves Walton Hall Gardens- 4.00pm

Arts Marquee, Walton Hall Gardens,

Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton, Warrington,

WA4 6SN

Payment is required on booking

To book please contact LifeTime Tel:01925246824