TEN years of the seniors program at Boambee East Community Centre (BECC) will be celebrated on Monday 6 March, but the organisers are mindful that their database of names and contact details is out of date.

Mindful that they don’t want to leave anyone out, they are calling out to the community to let them know your current means of getting in touch.

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“Our database of contacts is incomplete or out of date, so we have approached News Of The Area to assist with making this information available to past and current participants,” Margaret Bridgman told NOTA.

“We invite you to be our guest at a Special Celebration Day Lunch and Entertainment at BECC, 10am on Monday 6 March 2023.

“For those who have moved out of the area – we would love to see you again if possible,” she said.

RSVP by 27 February by phoning 02 6658 4655.

Back in 2013, BECC conducted a community consultation to see what services were missing in our community.

It sought to identify how BECC, as a volunteer community organisation, could fill any voids.

Most notably was the lack of facilities for seniors.

This led to the introduction of the seniors program which began in March 2013, under the direction of Margaret Bridgman, a recently retired local and member of the BECC Management Committee.

Avachat, as in ‘have a chat’, was used as the catchy name copied from the successful movie of the time, Avatar.

“Due to Covid restrictions the format changed slightly to operate under health guidelines, so a new name was necessary, thus the change to Chinwaggers, but we answer to both names,” said Margaret.

“We created a place where seniors had one thing in common and nothing else, a need for human connection, a sense of being part of a community.”

The group is now self-funding but relies on grants and a generous community for larger projects.

“And we have all had so much fun in doing so,” she said.

“It’s hard to believe that our ‘Avachat/Chinwaggers Club’ has been enjoyed for the past ten years, even during lockdown via weekly newsletters, not only in Boambee, but across our local government area.

“For this we thank everyone most sincerely, as none of this would have been successful without members’ support and participation.

“Your presence justified our efforts in maintaining a weekly social event and meeting place for Seniors, which has helped many people settle in this area and in retirement,” she closed.

One senior commented, “What a difference Avachat has made to our centre and everyone here.

“You have so much enthusiasm and energy, we love the laughter and noise every Monday and all the interesting people who walk through our doors.

“Each year just gets better.”

By Andrea FERRARI