Silver Sevenoaks District Brings Free Tea Afternoons, Leisure Passes and a Christmas Party for Over-55s

Sevenoaks District Council is running Silver Sevenoaks District between October and December, a season of free and low-cost events aimed at the over-55s across the district, from a celebratory afternoon tea to a free Christmas party.

The programme opens with a Silver Celebration on Sunday 4 October, 2pm to 4pm, at the Bat & Ball Community Centre in Sevenoaks - afternoon tea, music from the West Kent Concert Band, and information on activities for older people. A Silver Music Afternoon follows at the Eden Centre in Edenbridge on Thursday 22 October, 1.30pm to 3.30pm. The season closes with Silver Bells, a free Christmas party with music, games, prizes and a buffet, at the Howard Venue in Hextable on Tuesday 8 December, 1pm to 3pm.

District residents aged 55 and over can claim a free one-day pass for Edenbridge, Sevenoaks or White Oak Leisure Centres, usable on the first Sunday of October, November and December - email communities@sevenoaks.gov.uk to claim one. There's also a 25% discount on weekday tee times at Lullingstone Park Golf Course through to December, on production of proof of residency in the district.

Beyond the headline events, the council is promoting the walking groups, seated exercise classes and lunch clubs that run year-round across the district - including weekly lunch clubs in Otford, Kemsing and Riverhead, and monthly ones in Ash-cum-Ridley, Dunton Green, Fordcombe, Hextable, Westerham and West Kingsdown, most charging a small fee of £5 to £8 a session. Age UK also runs a seated Strength and Mobility class at Dunton Green Pavilion on 14 October, 11 November and 9 December, and Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre's Ageing Well Clinic has a run of free afternoon talks through October, November and December on topics including carers' support and coping with technology-related stress.

Cllr Lesley Dyball, the council's Cabinet Member for People and Places, said: "Silver Sevenoaks District is a wonderful way to celebrate older people. It's a great opportunity for the over 55s to try new hobbies and meet new people. There's something for all abilities and interests and best of all, most of them are free or low cost. We expect the events we're organising to be popular, so if you or someone you know is interested, please book in advance." A full programme is available by calling 01732 227000 or emailing communities@sevenoaks.gov.uk. Source: Sevenoaks District Council, Silver Sevenoaks District programme