The Monday Club: Where Retirement Roars to Life

If you think retirement is about slowing down and quiet afternoons, you clearly haven’t tried to get a seat at The Monday Club.

Run by the indomitable duo of Anne Woods and Eileen Hughes, this isn’t just a social gathering; it is the hottest ticket in town, boasting a waiting list that proves just how vital this community has become. Walking into the Catholic Club, the first thing that hits you is the wall of noise—not polite whispering, but the raucous sound of laughter, banter, and genuine friendship. As Anne and Eileen will tell you, the joy is evident in every smile; there is no room for loneliness here, largely because there is literally no room left - every seat is taken!

The Great Christmas Afternoon Tea Operation

The club's recent festive celebration was a triumph of logistics and love, captured perfectly in the photo montage. Looking at the photos, you see a sea of Christmas jumpers, live music, dancing, and toasts. But behind the scenes, a massive question loomed: How do you serve a luxury Afternoon Tea to a full house when there is no catering staff?

The answer was a "Family Affair" fueled by hard work.

The operation began long before the ovens were turned on, with Anne and Eileen teaming up to buy all the raw materials needed for the feast. Eileen also added the perfect personal touch, hand-writing the Christmas cards for the members.

From there, Anne’s family was drafted in to pull off a culinary miracle:

• Anne took charge of the classics, preparing the chocolate shortbread and egg sandwiches.

• Annette was the festive powerhouse, baking the scones and the Christmas cake, while also preparing the Brie and Cranberry (a festive favourite!).

• Sue brought the savoury and the sweet, delivering chicken and stuffing alongside cheese scones and carrot cake.

• Scott and Annette managed the logistics, handling the boxes to ensure every member received their treat.

It was a labour of love that turned a regular afternoon into a banquet.

The Dream Team: Staff and Volunteers

In a "normal" week, the club runs like a well-oiled machine thanks to a mix of paid pros and enthusiastic volunteers.

To ensure the afternoon runs smoothly, the club employs Agnes, the barmaid. She is the engine room of the operation: she runs the Bingo (calling for "A Line" or "A Full House"), manages the "Flyer," keeps the drinks flowing from behind the bar, sets the room out, and handles the washing up.

Seamlessly working alongside this professional support, a spirited "Tea Team" of volunteers springs into action to make sure nobody goes thirsty. These members brew the tea and coffee and weave through the tables, delivering drinks and food directly to their friends. It adds a wonderful layer of fun and pampering to the afternoon - members serving members with a joke and a smile, meaning no one has to leave their seat and miss the gossip!

When it’s time to switch gears from tea to dancing, the club brings in Janie St. John. As the paid professional singer, she ensures the atmosphere is electric, getting everyone singing, dancing, and laughing, turning the afternoon into a proper party.

Then there is the raffle. Most clubs might have a few tins of biscuits, but the Monday Club operates on a different level. Last week alone there were 60 prizes, all donated by the members themselves - a true testament to the group's generosity.

On The Road

The fun doesn't stay inside the Catholic Club. Throughout the year, hired buses whisk the members away on adventures, subsidised by the small club fee (with friends welcome to tag along for a little extra).

Making these trips happen requires serious organisation, and Eileen Hughes works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the logistics work and the outings run smoothly.

The itinerary is legendary:

• Easter: A classic celebration involving Fish and Chips and a parade of Easter Bonnets.

• June: A seaside run to Whitby, but not before a crucial pitstop at Sleights for coffee and scones.

• September: A trip to Dalton Park for the shoppers, followed by fresh air at Seaham Harbour, where members are free to roam and "do their own thing."

• October: A packed house at the Catholic Club for the beloved "Pie and Peas" and Fish and Chips supper.

• Shopping: Runs to the Boundary Outlet near Newcastle to bag a bargain.

• VE Day: The group dressed up in style to mark the occasion, proving they know how to honour history while having a blast.

A Community Anchor

Looking at the montage - the blur of dancing to Janie's music, the clinking of glasses, and the singing - it is clear that the Monday Club is more than just a place to go. It is a family. Thanks to the hard work of Anne and Eileen, the paid staff like Agnes and Janie, the amazing family support, and the fun-loving volunteers, this is a place where "retirement" just means you finally have time to have the time of your life.