Friendship Club at Lauderdale Road

The Friendship Club is a meeting place for older members of the community and the wider community which takes place each Wednesday afternoon during ‘term time’. Meetings are held in the Montefiore Hall, adjacent to Lauderdale Road Synagogue and the door is always metaphorically open to newcomers. 

Attendees are welcomed with a hot drink and a biscuit when they arrive, between 12.30 and 1.15. They then have the chance to sit, chat to friends and catch up on news, before a short, seated exercise class given by one of the committee.

This is followed by a variety of entertainers at 1.30. These range from singing, music (both classical and contemporary), as well as bingo, quizzes, reminiscences, visits from local school children, raffles and an annual garden party. 

The afternoon concludes with tea, sandwiches, chocolates and sometimes cakes and other savouries. Many of the members celebrate their birthdays at the club.  At 3 pm the members are taken home by a group of volunteer drivers. Festivals are celebrated as they occur, with candle lighting at Chanukah, gifts at Rosh Hashana, lunch at Purim, tea in the Succah and as many others as the committee can arrange! 

The name given to the Club by its original founders over 70 years ago is still appropriate and many friendships are made and extended by those attending. 

All are welcome to attend, either or an occasional or on a regular basis. Contact details for the committee can be obtained from the office.