For over 40 years Waverley has been providing a place for elderly people in Kenilworth to meet for 'fun, food and friendship'.

Originally launched as a lunch club in the 1980's, the centre on Waverley Road is now a not-for-profit charity tackling social isolation in the town and across South Warwickshire.

Waverley is a place where the elderly can come and relax, socialise with others, and even take part in a range of stimulating activities.

Open from mid-morning to 3.30pm Tuesday to Friday, the centre offers guests a warm welcome and an alternative for those who may otherwise be forced to stay at home alone for most of the week.

Waverley was originally launched as a lunch club in the 1980's (image via Waverley)

"It is amazing how Waverley really works for lots of people and some of them come here four days a week and get a real benefit from it," centre manager Anne Cross told Nub News.

"Some of our members probably wouldn't be able to stay at home anymore if it wasn't for Waverley taking those daytime hours, giving them some social interaction and keeping them upbeat.

"Some people may have a carer in the morning and then another in the evening, but there are a lot of hours in between for them to sit alone at home. That is where we come in to fill the gap.

"There are definitely a lot of people in this town who could benefit from Waverley."

Waverley offers a range of activities (image by Waverley)

Waverley has two main offers to local residents.

Members can come and use the facility all day from the morning to late afternoon, making the most of the various activities on offer and also enjoying a two-course home cooked lunch every day.

For those less mobile or without transport, Waverley has its own minibus and people carrier which it can collect and drop home members in CV8 at the start and end of each day.

And for guests who may not want to spend the whole day at Waverley, the two-course lunch is also offered for just £10 to others who can come and join in with the midday socialising.

"The lunch club is also very popular," Anne explained.

"People can come just for lunch and everyone eats together. It is a really lovely atmosphere with everyone mixing together.

"Some people may not want to spend the whole day at Waverley, but cooking for yourself every day isn't always easy, so coming to us for lunch ensures guests will get a delicious home cooked meal."

Waverley is open from mid-morning to 3.30pm Tuesday to Friday (image via Waverley)

While Waverley is open four days a week, there is no obligation on members to come every day, nor on the same day every week.

Activities throughout the day include exercise classes, board games, crafts, painting and more.

And of course newspapers are available and teas and coffees in plentiful supply throughout the day.

One regular day club member explained: "I like coming here because it means my daughter and son-in-law, who I live with, can go out to work and not worry about me during the day.

"I don't normally take part in the activities, I just like to talk to the other guests here who I have got to know quite well over the months coming here.

"Before finding out about Waverley I was at home every day and felt quite lonely."

As well as a number of professional carers, Waverley also has an army of volunteers who help with running activities and driving the minibus every day.

Anne was quick to thank the support of locals, both in giving their time and in making donations to the charity.

'We are all about is bringing people together and that sense of community' (Image by Waverley)

"We have a team of volunteers who drive the minibus and they are all brilliant," she said.

"They are all of course trained to drive it, and they are all fantastic.

"Really the volunteers make up a huge amount of the team here, from the drivers to the support in the kitchen and to the befrienders.

"We are a standalone local charity and people can see exactly what we do locally.

"People say to me when they donate or offer support, they know what they give will directly benefit local people and they can see exactly what their money is going to."

Waverley - which also has rooms available to local community groups to hire - has also been chosen this year as the Mayor of Kenilworth Cllr Alan Chalmers' mayoral charity.

Waverley has a minibus to collect members (image by James Smith)

And as Waverley looks to boost the number of members at its day club, board of trustees member Andy Metcalf explained: "It is all about providing something for the community and being involved in something important locally.

"I talk to a lot of people who feel lonely or isolated.

"What we are all about is bringing people together and that sense of community.

"And we also offer peace of mind to families that their loved ones are safe, being looked after and socialising."

If you are interested in becoming a guest at Waverley, or if you have a relative or friend who would benefit from meeting new people, contact Anne Cross on 01926 852365 or by email at [email protected].

Waverley also has an army of volunteers (image by James Smith)