Old Boys Social Club calling those wiser in years

Ron Mather, an 84-year-old retired carpentry teacher, wasted no time to sign up to all four events offered through the Old Boys Social Club.

In fact, he is so passionate about the program he has made himself our unofficial ambassador for the program, encouraging friends, neighbours and fellow bus-travellers to hurry up and sign-up as well.

Council’s Old Boys Social Club is a new and free social program for the more mature-aged man. Held at various locations, the club will offer older men the opportunity to meet up and participate in a number of hands-on activities including:

• fishing and fish n’ chips (you’ll eat well no matter what you catch)
• a game or two of pool and a classic flick
• bushwacking (bushwalking and bushcare) and a BBQ
• and an afternoon of tinkling with some old bikes to be gifted to a good home!

Mr Mather said that he believes there’s a real need for men to come together and meet new people.

“While I may be a great talker and happy to chat to new people, other older men might need more encouragement. Once you start men talking, they just can’t stop and this social club is an opportunity to start a men’s discussion group,” Mr Mather said.

“This is a great Council initiative. My message to the older men is to try something new. What have you got to lose? You could actually gain something like companionship.”

Is this something for you? Or do you know an older bloke who would enjoy this program? Find out more about the events on offer by visiting our Old Boys Social Club webpage, call (02) 4227 7238 or email Council.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that lockdowns had a big impact on the mental health of the whole community, especially older people.

“Social isolation is a silent killer, and lockdowns made it even easier for people to become isolated from their support networks, friends and family,” Cr Bradbery said.

“The aim of this program is to bring like-minded older men together to participate in something fun that’s a bit different. The best part of this program is that it caters to the people who may not own or drive a car. If you haven’t got transport, let us know and we’ll sort it out for you.

“I highly encourage that the older blokes in our community get involved in this club and sign-up to attend one, or all, of the events. You can even bring a friend along if you don’t want to brave it alone.”

The details – Old Boys Social Club

Who: For the mature older man (we’ll take your word for it)

Cost: Free! Bookings are essential. Call (02) 4227 7238 or email Council. For more information visit the Old Boys Social Club webpage.

Getting There: We’ve got you covered if you can’t make it there and back on your own – just ask us.

What’s On

• Pool & Classic Flicks – Friday 29 April, 1-4pm at the Thirroul Community Centre, 352/358 Lawrence Hargrave Drive
• Old Blokes & Spokes – Wednesday 4 May 1-4pm, at the Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street
• Bushwhacking & BBQ – Thursday 5 May 10am-1pm at Stuart Park & Puckeys Estate
• Fish N Chips & Fishing Day Out – Thursday 19 May, 12noon-3pm at Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawarra