What's Happening at The Meeting Room?
We have loads of things planned for 2024. As well as our regular drop-ins, walks and table tennis sessions, we are looking forward to picnics, theatre outings, day trips, camping trips and our fabulous mini-breaks.
Walks - We've kept up with our regular schedule of walks which take place on the first Saturday of every month. These are so important for our clients who need a change of scene, some exercise in the countryside and most importantly are a fun, safe, and social space to be with others. In April a group of clients, staff and trustees took part in the Rotawalk '24 organised by the Rotary of Dorking which was a great day out for all!
Table tennis - For our other regular activities, we're delighted to have restarted our regular table tennis sessions which happen every other Wednesday from 2.30pm-4.30pm at the Leatherhead Leisure Centre. This is open to anyone and we're always thrilled to see new faces.
Craft sessions - We've been lucky enough to have talks from the lovely Sue Whittaker of Ashtead Flower Arrangement Group who led sessions on care house plants for our Leatherhead clients, and our amazing volunteer, Lynn who showed us how to do beautiful things with ceramic tiles.
A sad farewell - We said goodbye to a great friend of The Meeting Room in Paul Gruzalski. Paul was a much-loved volunteer for a long time at our drop-ins and devoted a lot of time and effort to our clients even in his later years. Several clients, staff, and volunteers paid their respects at his funeral and we are forever grateful for the lasting impact he has had.
Volunteers - it's been wonderful to see new people wanting to get involved with The Meeting Room and all our activities. We've had several new volunteers help out with everything from preparing food, being a friendly ear at the drop-ins, distributing items, and helping with some of the charity admin. Their work is so important and we are hugely grateful for their input.
Christmas Eve Deliveries - 38 hampers of festive goodies including a complete Christmas dinner prepared by our staff and volunteers were delivered to needy families and individuals in our local community. A huge thanks to all of our supporters who donated and were so generous at this time of year.
Pantomine at Leatherhead Theatre - Who doesn't like a pantomine (our Client Support Manager, Lisa, certainly does!)? Just under thirty of our
clients had a great time watching Robin Hood - oh yes, they did!
Christmas Lunches & Party - Christmas is always a very special time of year for us and 2023 was no exception. So many of our clients, supporters, volunteers and staff came together to celebrate the season and all we do at The Meeting Room.
Walton Firs Camping & Activities - in mid-November, a group of staff and clients headed off to Walton Firs Activity Centre in Cobham. Despite not having the greatest of weather, our intrepid crew had a wonderful time, and the activities, as always, were a great hit. Ah, I can just smell the campfire.......
FestHumble 2023 - Forget Glastonbury, Reading, or anywhere else for that matter. In July, West Humble was the place to be. What a great day we all had and a huge thank you to the wonderful FestHumble organising team and the Stepping Stones pub, who raised nearly £1,800 for The Meeting Room!
Barge Trip - The Meeting Room barge trips are well-known for a being a great laugh and a lot of fun. In June, 10 clients and 2 of our staff went to take in the canals of north London & Middlesex and went camping out for two nights. The weather was fantastic and a great time was had by all.
Coronation Barbeque - On May 8, we held a BBQ and party to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. Despite the weather not playing ball, we had wonderful food including the most amazing cakes and the chocolatiest brownies! We had our very own 'Bake Off' competition without a soggy bottom in sight. A special thanks to Alice Trevor for the live music and to everyone for their support and efforts in making it a great occasion.
Volunteers Tea Party - On Feb 1, we had a tea party to say thank you to our amazing volunteers without whom The Meeting Room would be unable to function. So many of our volunteers assist us week in, week out and have done so for many years. Thanks to 51 N in Mickleham for taking such good care of us - the cakes were especially scrumptious!
2023 activites
