Local social enterprise, Mytime Active, hosted a special Summer Soiree for its Primetime and MyClub members at Orpington Golf Club last week.
Attended by the Deputy Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Keith Onslow, and the Deputy Mayoress, Sara Onslow, the event took place on 17 August, welcoming more than 100 people who enjoyed an afternoon filled with fun, friendship and an afternoon tea fit for a king. The Primetime and MyClub members were entertained by local singer, Mikey, who had everyone up on their feet singing and dancing by the end of the afternoon.
Mytime Active’s Primetime programme has been offering recreational activities, events, sports, dance and keep fit classes for over 60s since 2008. Activities are designed to help people to move more every day, socialise and make new friends. MyClub is for adults with special educational needs or disabilities, and offers functional exercises delivered in a fun way, dance parties and Zumba, golf, multi sports and bowling in fun, sociable and supportive groups.
Mytime Active runs several fully inclusive events each year for members to come together, catch up and celebrate their successes alongside them. This fully inclusive event welcomed people from across Mytime Active’s diverse community, many of whom would not have had the confidence to attend the event without the support of Mytime Active’s extended team of instructors, volunteers and friends created within the classes.
Deputy Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Keith Onslow said: “We were absolutely delighted to come and support this important event, which really brought residents together for a fun and active summer afternoon. Events like this always make me proud of Bromley, as they are so important to our communities and ensuring residents have supportive groups and networks they can rely on.”
Jason Stanton, CEO, Mytime Active, adds: “Our Primetime membership goes above and beyond for older adults, and this event was no exception. The success of the Primetime and MyClub Programmes lies in our understanding of the fact that starting exercise and meeting new people can be challenging. We passionately advocate for our inclusion initiatives and we’re thrilled the Deputy Mayor chose to support this wonderful event.”
Managed by Ann Wilbourn, Primetime has expanded to offer more than 90 physical activity sessions each week, including specialised programmes for those with limited mobility and fitness. Primetime memberships have grown from 80 in 2008 to more than 2,500 today.
The MyClub programme was initially funded by Community Links to encourage special educational needs groups following the pandemic. The programme now attracts around 110 attendees every week and has been self-funded for more than a year. It will be celebrating its first birthday on 1 September.
Mytime Active is working in partnership with Bromley Council to reduce loneliness and isolation in the community, supporting its loneliness strategy, championed by the Mayor of Bromley, through events such as the Summer Soiree. Ann Wilbourn explains: “The Primetime and MyClub programmes are not all about fitness and activity. The social side of things and being able to meet with like-minded people in a safe and supportive environment is just as important. One of our key phrases is no one is alone at Primetime and MyClub.”
