All under one Ruth

Ruth Winston Centre in Green Lanes was first opened in 1959

Ruth Winston Centre’s vice chair of trustees Chris Rash describes the charity’s work

Retirement is not the ending of something, but rather the beginning of what can be a whole new life.

It is an opportunity to do those things that you have always wanted to do, but have never had the time – retirement is an adventure!

Ruth Winston Centre in Palmers Green provides plenty of opportunities to keep older people occupied. It is not a day care centre but a vibrant modern and self-contained community hub offering people aged 50 and over a wide variety of services, as well as a meeting place to socialise and learn new skills.

It was originally set up as a charity in the 1950s, largely thanks to the efforts of then mayor of Southgate Ruth Winston, who raised the funds needed to buy the property and dedicated to the building the welfare of the elderly. Situated at 190 Green Lanes, the centre has been welcoming senior citizens from across Enfield for nearly 60 years, offering good company, food, companionship, fitness and education.

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An open day is being held at the centre on Tuesday 24th September and will showcase its various activities. There will be an opportunity for a tour of the centre and to see for yourself the activities and facilities offered. As statutory funding is no longer available, the charity needs to raise funds from bazaars, quizzes and other events. Ideas are always welcome!

Liz Thoree, the centre manager, said: “Over the years it has been possible to increase the facilities for clubs and other organisations meeting at the centre to provide support to voluntary groups.”

Activities hosted at Ruth Winston from Monday to Friday include Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates, line dancing, art class, a book club, drama group, bridge, and a computers for beginners class. We also have a resident hairdresser, chiropodist and bereavement councillor. The community café runs Monday to Friday, enabling visitors to have a cup of coffee, play scrabble, and be entertained.

For more information about Ruth Winston Centre:
Visit ruthwinstoncentre.com

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