Mayor joins Thursday Club members for tea and a chat

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Alderman Graham Warke, today paid a visit to the Thursday Club which has been bringing people from all communities together for the past four years.

The Club meets in the Acorn Centre at St Peter's Church, but its membership has extended beyond parishioners to include members of different denominations from across the City who get together each week to enjoy a wide range of activities. Sadly, the club had to stop during lockdown but has now reopened offering a welcoming space for a warm lunch and a chat, and is once again going from strength to strength.

Mayor Warke had the chance to meet some of the members and catch up on the many activities that have been bringing people together, from bingos and quizzes, to chair Tai Chi. Speaking afterwards he said: "It was a real pleasure to meet members of the Thursday Club today and to find out more about the positive impact it's making on people's lives. Places such as the Acorn Centre have such an important role, bringing people together to socialise and have fun, and getting them out of the house.

"The pandemic has been particularly distressing for the older community, who have suffered the effects of living in isolation and fear for many months, with many cut off from family and friends. Clubs like this one have become more important than ever and I want to congratulate all those involved in the Thursday Club and the vital role it plays in connecting people and communities."