The Springs Senior Citizens Club has welcomed the warmer season with its first spring bingo session on September 1, attracting both regular members and first-time visitors.

Among those attending for the first time was Brakpan resident Gerda Lombard, who joined the session after being invited by her friend Mary Ann Sergeant.

Speaking to the Springs Advertiser, Lombard said she immediately enjoyed the atmosphere and the way the bingo session was organised.

“I love it. It is just different from the other times that I’ve been to bingo sessions,” she said.

For Lombard, the session was not only about playing bingo but also about meeting new people and socialising.

She added that she loves that there are a lot of sessions, not just one or two, and mingling with everyone, as she gets to know new people.

Although she has played bingo at holiday resorts, this was her first time attending a local session.

“I’m definitely coming back to the bingo,” said Lombard.

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She also said she felt welcomed despite being a first-time visitor and had no difficulty interacting with other members.

Club manager Pauline Houghton told the publication that members can look forward to a busy programme as spring gets under way.

The club will celebrate spring with a lunch on September 4, featuring a fancy-hat competition, a quiz, and an exercise class. Members will also be treated to a line dancing demonstration, with an opportunity for those attending to join in.

The club has also planned a trip to the Barnyard Theatre in October, while preparations for the annual Christmas lunch at the end of November are already under way. Houghton said the club remains open to new members, with two women joining after being introduced through the club’s yoga activities.

Membership often grows through word of mouth, with people encouraged to visit the club, experience its activities and then decide whether they would like to join.

“So the majority of people who come along for the first time want to join in the activities that we offer, like chair yoga, gym and many more, so we are happy to see more people join,” she said.

Houghton said keeping members active and engaged remains important, particularly as the club has lost several members during the year.

“It’s quite sad, but at our age we’re facing the inevitable. We all know we don’t have endless years left, so we’ve got to make the most of what we’ve got,” she said.

Her philosophy is summed up in a motto she shares with members: “Don’t add years to your life, add life to your years.”

Despite the challenges, Houghton said the club is determined to continue providing activities and opportunities for members to socialise, learn new skills and stay active.