Celebrating 20 years of fun and laughter

Clendon Selwyn Centre celebrates 20th anniversary

To commemorate the occasion, volunteers and guests from past and present joined founding members from the parish committee at a celebratory event – original Selwyn Centre coordinator Dorothy Young (who continues to lead the weekly group) and Reverend Mark Beale.

The Clendon Selwyn Centre operates on Monday mornings (9:15 am - 12:30 pm) and welcomes older people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a programme of social activities, gentle exercise, morning tea, as well as a cooked lunch and transport to and from the venue, the Centre offers a warm welcome, fellowship and community connection to seniors living in the local community.

The need for such a meeting place for seniors in the Clendon area was originally identified by Dorothy, as detailed in Revd Mark’s history of St Elizabeth’s (‘Full of Surprises’, published in 2008). She continues as the coordinator to this day, assisted by a team of volunteers, many of whom have also been involved with the Centre for many years.

Speaking at the anniversary event, Revd Beale thanked Dorothy for all her work over the years in bringing local people together to enjoy convivial conversation, fun and companionship in a supportive and caring environment. Dorothy in turn thanked the parish committee and The Selwyn Foundation for their support, as well as all her volunteers who have worked alongside her in offering friendship, help and advice to the guests who attend.

Part-funded by The Selwyn Foundation, the Selwyn Centres are run in partnership with local Anglican parishes and welcome people of all cultures and ethnicities. There are 37 Selwyn Centres in neighbourhoods across Greater Auckland, Northland and the Waikato, with a presence also in Christchurch. For details of your local Selwyn Centre, visit selwynfoundation.org.nz and look for the Community/Social Engagement section.