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The Allan Burgess Centre in Wanstead, tucked away at 2 Grove Park, opposite the Co-op, is one of Wanstead’s best-kept secrets and a place GoodOaks Homecare Woodford Green is always happy to recommend to older people and families in the area. Run by Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering as its Wanstead Activity Centre, it is open from 9.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, offering a daily mix of exercise, creativity, learning and good food for older people.
Lunch at the heart of the day
The centre’s kitchen prepares nutritious lunches from fresh ingredients on the premises, with vegetarian, fish and other options to accommodate different dietary needs. Two courses cost £9 from Monday to Thursday and £9.50 on Fridays, and lunch should be booked by 11am. Snacks and refreshments are available throughout the day, making it easy to arrive for a class and stay for a chat.
Activities for older people at the Allan Burgess Centre
There is plenty to choose from, including art classes, knitting, chess and bridge, alongside an exercise programme that runs Monday to Friday. Activities include stretch and balance, Zumba, and seated sessions featuring Zumba, yoga and exercise. The chair-based classes are described as fun and engaging, with good tunes you can sing along to.
Age UK’s activities help older people keep their minds and bodies active while creating opportunities to make new friends. A small charge applies to most sessions.
On Mondays from 2pm to 3pm, Craft afternoons bring people together to make wreaths, cards and decorations. Sessions cost £4 each or £20 for a five-week block, with advance booking required.
On the first Wednesday of each month, from 10am to 12 noon, the free Book Club welcomes people over 55 who live in Redbridge. Members discuss books supplied by the local library, with the option of staying for lunch afterwards.
Learning something new
Allan Burgess Centre also helps older people keep up with technology. There are one-to-one computer classes, a specialist class for tablets and smartphones, and a Tuesday IT drop-in from 10am to 12 noon. You can bring along a quick question about your phone or tablet, and no booking is needed.
Friendship across generations
One of our favourite touches is the Redbridge Rhymesters, a poetry group led by local poet Alexandra Wilde that shares poems with children from Snaresbrook Primary School.
The centre also marks the seasons with events such as quizzes, carol afternoons, bingo and Christmas dinners. It has hosted comedy shows and a lunch with the Mayor during Older People’s Week, too, giving members plenty of opportunities to socialise and enjoy something different.
Easy to reach in Wanstead
The centre has disability access and fully accessible toilets. Bus stops are right outside, and Wanstead Underground station is nearby. The team can also help people apply for Dial-a-Ride.
To find out about classes, availability and joining, call 020 8989 6338 or pop in during opening hours. Volunteers are always welcome, too. Anyone interested can email volunteer@ageukrbh.org.uk.
Tips for a first visit
If you or someone you know is thinking about visiting, call the Allan Burgess Centre on 020 8989 6338 beforehand is a good starting point, as some activities have waiting lists.
Booking lunch before 11am and trying a single class alongside it is an easy way to get a feel for the centre. It can also help to go with a friend or family member the first time. If transport is a concern, ask the team about Dial-a-Ride.
A friendly room and a good lunch
For anyone feeling a little isolated or looking for a reason to leave the house a few times a week, the Allan Burgess Centre offers something special. Alongside activities and freshly prepared meals, it provides opportunities to meet people, maintain interests and feel part of the local community.
GoodOaks Homecare Woodford Green has been proud to work with Age UK, and we were delighted to hold an Elvis tribute concert in partnership with them.
If you need help getting an older relative or loved one to the Allan Burgess Centre, attending activities or getting out and about elsewhere in Wanstead, please get in touch with GoodOaks Homecare Woodford Green. Our friendly team will be happy to discuss support tailored to their individual needs, helping them stay connected to the people and places they enjoy.
