There are lots of activities, events and clubs in and around the Trafford area for older adults who are wanting to get out and about more. Here are some brilliant ongoing social activities that are worth looking into;
Chair Yoga
These yoga sessions are held every week and they consist of 30 minutes of gentle stretching and breathing exercises. There are a few different classes to choose from, including online classes that take place via the video calling platform, Zoom. Chair yoga is a great way for seniors to reap the wonderful health benefits of yoga and staying seated means frail seniors or those who aren’t flexible can safely do gentle exercise. You don’t need to book in advance, simply turn up on the day.
- Mondays 1:30 pm at Urmston Library (£2 per class)
- Tuesdays 11.30 am at Altrincham Library (£2 per class)
- Fridays 11:00 am via Zoom (free classes)
Email [email protected] to find out more.
Knitting Groups
There are several knitting groups hosted at different libraries throughout the local area. These groups are free to attend and they’re an excellent way to meet like-minded people who enjoy this traditional pastime. All of these knitting groups are suitable for everyone from complete beginners to experts.
- Wednesdays 10:30 am at Altrincham Library
- Fridays 10:00 am at Old Trafford Library
- Mondays 1:00 pm at Partington Library
- Saturdays 10.30 am at Sale Library
- Saturdays 10:15 am at Stretford Library
- Mondays 1:30 pm at Urmston Library
- Fridays 2:00 pm at Woodsend Library
There is also a crochet group on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm at Urmston Library.
Trafford Libraries Facebook Group Chat
You can drop in for a chat with local members of the community on the Trafford Library Facebook group. This is a brilliant way to connect with others, whether you’re recommending books you’ve read or sharing suggestions with other members, and absolutely everyone is welcome, regardless of age.
Visit the Trafford Libraries Facebook page and message them asking to join.
Exercise Classes
Age UK Trafford hosts three different types of exercise classes in the local area; strength and balance exercise classes, postural stability exercise classes, and also maintenance exercise classes. These classes are a great way for seniors to stay fit and healthy, and they give anyone living independently an excuse to get out of the house and meet new people.
Strength and balance classes
- Wednesdays 9:30 am at Age UK Trafford in Urmston
- Fridays 10:00 am at Fiona Gardens in Sale
- Fridays 1:40 pm at Limelight in Old Trafford
Postural stability classes
- Mondays 10:15 am at Limelight in Old Trafford
- Mondays 3:00 pm at All Saints Church in Hale Barnes
- Tuesdays at 3:00 pm at Stretford Public Hall in Stretford
- Wednesdays 10:30 am at Age UK Trafford in Urmston
- Wednesdays 10:45 am at Salvation Army in Sale
- Wednesdays 12:00 pm at Salvation Army in Sale
- Thursdays 10:30 am at Elkin Court in Partington
- Fridays 11:30 am online class via Zoom
Maintenance classes
- Tuesdays 12:15 pm at All Saints Church in Hale Barnes
- Wednesdays 2:00 pm at Fiona Gardens in Sale
For more information, contact Tom Snape on 0161 672 9642 or [email protected].
Walking Football
Another type of exercise class offered by Age UK Trafford is their Walking Football Programme. They welcome all older people to join this programme, so if you are over 50 and interested, then give it a go. Being active is good for both physical and mental health, especially as you get older. Exercising on a regular basis can improve confidence and wellbeing, help older people live independently for longer, and reduce isolation and loneliness.
- Tuesdays 11:00 am at George Carnall Community Hub in Urmston (£3 per session)
To find out more and sign up for this programme, contact Alison McKenna on 07918577383 or [email protected].
Afternoon Tea
Age UK Trafford is also hosting an afternoon tea with entertainment once a month at their Sharples Building in Urmston. Loneliness as a consequence of getting older has a huge impact on health and wellbeing, and attending this type of event can help to reduce the negative effects of social isolation.
- 3rd Wednesday of every month at 1:00 pm (£2 per person)
Get in touch with Age UK Trafford on 0161 746 9754 or [email protected] to find out more.
Afternoon Matinee
Age UK Trafford hosts a movie event once a month at their Sharples Building in Urmston too and they show a different vintage film every month on a big screen. There is something for everyone throughout the year, from dramas and comedies to musicals and film noir, and this afternoon matinee is something to look forward to. You don’t need to book in advance, simply turn up on the day.
- 4th Wednesday of every month at 2:00 pm (£4 per person – includes tea/coffee and biscuits on arrival and also a choc ice during the interval)
Call Age UK Trafford on 0161 746 9754 to find out more. You can also see a list of the films that are being shown here; https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bp-assets/globalassets/trafford/films2022.pdf
Brooklands Sports Club
This establishment offers both indoor and outdoor activities, such as; crown green bowls, tennis, snooker and much more. Brooklands Sports Club is located in Sale and has excellent facilities, including 2 cricket pitches, 4 all-weather cricket nets, 3 squash courts, 3 grass and 10 all-weather tennis courts. For hockey lovers, they also have a full-sized all-weather water-based Astroturf hockey pitch. The age of members vary and there are opportunities to socialise in the café and bar too.
To get a membership, visit the membership page on the club website. All senior citizens (65+) receive a heavily discounted monthly membership.
Art Lessons
Ashton-on-Mersey Society of Arts is a local art group that offers one-to-one tutorial sessions on a variety of painting and drawing techniques. Creating artwork helps benefit coordination through small, purposeful movements, leading to less pain and enhanced mobility. Art lessons allow older adults to focus less on their chronic aches and pains too, and instead concentrate on the creative process at hand.
- Tuesdays 7:00 pm at Sale Sports Club (£3 per week)
Send a message to Ashton-on-Mersey Society of Arts on their Facebook page or email [email protected] for more information.
Sale Flower Club
Sale Flower Club offers a great opportunity to socialise and meet with local residents whilst learning a new skill from flower arranging specialists. You can enjoy an evening watching demonstrators making flower arrangements and entertaining you with their interesting talks.
- 1st Wednesday of every month at 7:45 pm at The Conservative Club in Sale
For more information, visit the Flower Club website or contact Maureen Hernon by calling 0161 9983245.