50Plus turns 10

Frederick De Hahn, assistant chairperson; Jillian James, secretary; Vannesa Moolman, chairperson; Vivienne Ward, assistant treasurer; Alida Oostendorp, assistant secretary and Eleanor Stemmet.

The 50Plus social club celebrated its 10th anniversary in style at the Ottery multi-purpose centre, on Friday August 31.

Celebrations were two-fold as they also said goodbye to chairperson, Phillis Barnes, who stepped down after eight years last month.

Vannesa Moolman will take over the leadership role.

Ms Barnes said the club started with 15 people and has increased to 106 members.
“I have a passion for seniors and I saw that there were many lonely seniors.

“We organised lifts for them to come to the club and took them on trips to the casino
once a year and throughout the year we take them on educational trips.”

She said it was time for her to step down after a very busy reign and to hand over to Ms Moolman.

SouthernMail asked Ms Moolman when she joined the club. “I actually joined when I was 47 years old. Despite being younger, the other ladies insisted I stay after they decided on the name 50Plus.”

She said she will continue planning trips for the seniors.

Ms Moolman will have her hands full as there are already 15 new members on the waiting list for next year.

Ward 63 councillor Monty Oliver, who initiated the idea of a senior’s club, said: “I just put word out there one day, and this club was formed.

“They gave me bragging rights for managing the club so well.”