THE Clarke Foley Community Centre and its much loved café will be open six days a week from May 17, Government rules permitting

In addition to this, the centre in Cunliffe Road, is introducing a series of new classes to add to the wide range of existing groups and activities already held there.

“People who feel fit and well often have a more positive outlook on life, and the reverse can be true too,” said the Royal Voluntary Service Business Manager, Michele Ince. “This is true for people of any age and the Clarke Foley Community Centre is determined to help combat the isolation felt by so many over the past months.”

The team has been working hard to establish new Clarke Foley classes starting in June to exercise both body and mind when the centre re-opens.

‘Move or Lose it’ will begin classes on Wednesday afternoons to help people to get fit, get strong, improve balance and also to have some fun. The ‘Cardio Energy’ class will run on Tuesday evenings providing energetic exercise for those wanting a livelier work out. The centre has also teamed up with the Worth Connecting charity to run their six-week digital course. This beginner’s course will help people who are keen to get online and use devices for the first time. A new course will delve into the English language discussing “English: Then & Now”. The innovative Harbour Club will provide much needed support and encouragement for men by men, offering a place to talk, laugh, learn and discuss. Added to these new activities, there are also a few spaces available in established classes such as Tai Chi, French and Art classes.

Details of all these classes can be found online or by phoning the office mobile (07495 045310).

The Clarke Foley cafe will be open from 9.30am-4.30pm every weekday as well as Saturdays. Michele Ince added: “We offer a warm welcome to all in the community. Come along and experience all that the Clarke Foley Community Centre can offer.”

The Clarke Foley Centre is constituted as a charity to provide facilities for recreation, education and other leisure time occupations for people over the age of 50.

This is achieved by running interest groups and a coffee bar serving light refreshments. Income is derived from hiring out rooms to people of any age.