Social group for the elderly enjoys afternoon tea and a steam train ride
A group of elderly people from the Melton Mowbray area have been treated to a steam train ride with a chocolate afternoon tea.
Members of the Melton ReEngage, who are aged 75 and over, enjoyed their special treat on the Great Central Railway at Loughborough on Saturday.
It was paid for from the fundraising of the group’s organiser, Rachel Wade, from her run in the Manchester Marathon in April.
Rachel raised £1,228 when she completed the gruelling 26-mile course just a few months after she was in hospital having a hip replacement operation.
A donation was also made by Melton Olympic Cycling Club, who she rides with.
On the train ride and cream tea, Rachel said: “The group thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”
ReEngage is a national charity which gathers lonely people together for social get-togethers such as tea parties and other activities – the Melton group is the largest in the country.
The group relies on its volunteers, who help ensure members can attend the regular gatherings.
Rachel added: "The group supports the elderly isolated community - we hold a tea party once a month and look for local entertainment.
"We have about 30 guests and 12 volunteer drivers .
“The drivers that collect the guests and return them home are so kind generous and caring to all the guests.”
Anyone aged 75 and over who is interested in making new friends and enjoying activities with them is invited to join Melton’s ReEngage group – email Rachel at [email protected] to do so.