Published on: Monday 25th October 2010
Over 50s Activity Club Seeking New Members
A long-running over 50s activity club which runs in six sports centres is looking for new members to join in the fun.
The OWLS – Over 50s Weekday Leisure Scheme – have been running in Huddersfield Sports Centre and Dewsbury Sports Centre for more than 25 years now.
They also have established sessions at Batley Sports & Tennis Centre, Spenborough Pool & Fitness Complex, Colne Valley Leisure Centre in Slaithwaite and Batley Baths. Sessions are due to start at Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre in the next few months.
OWLS can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day, with tea, coffee and lunch included (except in Batley Baths and Spenborough Pool where they bring their own).
Activities include swimming, aquafit, fitness classes led by an instructor, indoor bowling at some sites and social games such as dominoes. Sports hall activities are also very popular, with the OWLS playing badminton and table tennis.
The sociable side of OWLS is as important as the activity aspect. Many join after the death of a partner or following retirement to make new friends and take up a new hobby. OWLS organise their own speakers, social events and even trips out or holidays.
Times and days vary per centre. Prices start from £3.25 which includes tea and coffee. For details of all the OWLS sessions, go to our OWLS page here.
But don’t take our word for it! Read the comments from the OWLS themselves:
Dewsbury Tuesday OWLS:
Ron Abbott, 84, lives in Ossett
“I’m retired but I used to be a policeman, then after that an insurance agent.
“I’ve been a Tuesday OWL for about ten years now. I do aerobics and table tennis – I have my own bat – and I used to do spinning until recently!
“I think I am fairly fit for my age. It’s a social thing for me, I do a lot of talking. I live on my own now, so it’s lovely to come and mix with people.
“It’s very nice at OWLS, the staff are very good.”
Pauline Dickinson, 70, lives in Thornhill
“I started coming to Dewsbury Sports Centre in the 1980s doing keep fit and yoga, then joined OWLS about 20 years ago. I haven’t looked back. It’s very sociable, we sometimes have trips out to places.
“I do aerobics, then go in the gym and try to be active. It’s my “be good” day!
“After lunch, we do chair exercises or have a game of bowls, then a swim. I really enjoy the company and I love swimming. It’s very important from the exercise point of view – as you get older you need to keep active.
“I have nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren so I need to keep active.”
Mike Dews, 73, lives in Thornhill
“I have been coming to OWLS for two years. My typical OWLS day starts with aerobics, then I play badminton followed by 24 lengths’ swimming!
“After lunch I play volleyball, then I do spinning or if not, then table tennis. I try to avoid Ron (Abbott) because he is too good!
“We’re all good friends. OWLS has changed my life for the better after the loss of my wife – that was one of the reasons I joined. We go on singles holidays and ten of us have just come back from a trip to Crete. It’s nice to have the company.
“I think the sociable side is as important as the exercise – I was attracted by the exercise and I always feel better after doing it. I was a head teacher before I retired.”
Rose Evans, 70, lives in Earlsheaton
“I have been coming to OWLS for about five years and take part in aerobics, table tennis, badminton – I’m not good, but I enjoy coming!
“The best thing is the sociable side, we are all here to have a laugh and keep fit, but having a laugh is as important!
“I would say to anyone wanting to join – come in, we’re really friendly. We would look after you until you were settled.
“We feel better for being here, both physically and psychologically. It’s incredibly important to keep fit and healthy, it’s the basis for everything you do. We have worked incredibly hard and now we want to maximise our lifestyle and have a good time and you can’t do that if you are not feeling well.
“The first day I came, I didn’t know anybody but I sat at the end of the table. One of the OWLS had a birthday and there was a big bottle of wine and a cake and I thought – it’s like home from home here! We have a lot of fun.”
Dorothy Daly, 72, lives in Netherton
“I have been coming for 12 years and have lots of friends here. I enjoy playing table tennis, although I couldn’t play before I started coming. We teach each other.
“I would miss OWLS very much if I couldn’t come – you can’t play table tennis on your own!
“It’s good fun and people make you feel welcome.”
Huddersfield Tuesday OWLS:
Kenneth Baldwin, 73, lives in Oakes
“I have been coming here for the last 9 years. There is always a good atmosphere at OWLS in Huddersfield.
“I really enjoy the badminton and the bowls. Come and try out every activity there is on offer.”
Peter Taylor, 80, lives in Moldgreen 
“It’s a good atmosphere to make friends in and we enjoy taking the mickey out of the supervisor.
“I have been coming here for 12 years. I would say to anyone wanting to come – just come and try it, there’s nothing to worry about. We’re all very friendly but you need to come for a few weeks to get the most out of it.”
Derek Sharples, 77, lives in Kirkheaton
“I have been coming here for 22 years.
“I most enjoy getting involved in the table tennis and squash. It is great value for money if you take part in all the activities. You need to be active at our age.
“I also take part in the Christmas parties because I am a thespian and give monologues.”
Patricia Wilson, 81, lives in Salendine Nook
“We have a very good aerobics teacher who always makes it fun. I have been coming here for 19 years.”
Muriel Pulleyn, 79, lives in Fixby
“The things I like most about coming to OWLS are the badminton and the aerobics.
“Everyone is very sociable. I have been coming for the last 17 years.”
Anne Bradford, Huddersfield OWLS co-ordinator
“We try to make OWLS a fun, sociable day so people can do as much or as little as they want.
“Many of them come in couples but they don’t have to stay with their partner, because there is so much to do.”
