Apr
9
There always is a happy buzz when you step into the Cridge Club, but on Thursday March 14th, with people sitting around their tables and enjoying each other's company, but this time it was extra festive, for there was a celebration going on: it was the tenth anniversary of the Cridge Club.
Breathes there a soul who does not know what the Cridge Club is? Well, in that event, perhaps the best thing is to follow the review of the Club's history that Jack Krayenhoff gave in his 'birthday speech'. He recalled how, as a family physician, he used to make house calls (before the days of walk-in clinics and 911!). In many apartments and condos he found older people who lived by themselves, their life's partner deceased and their children living elsewhere, and hardly knowing a soul in Victoria - even in their own building.
These people were isolated, lonely, and felt vulnerable. Jack carried this awareness with him, and when he retired, and he and his wife Joan joined the Church of Our Lord, they saw the opportunity to do something about it. But what? They had never done or seen anything like this before. Brainstorming, they concluded that a tasty, nutritious hot meal would have to be the basis of everything. Tea and toast as a steady diet is not good. And how about a sing-along? Nothing to lift the spirits like those old songs that seniors remember from their youth - especially about young love: 'Let me call you sweetheart', 'My wild Irish rose'. And then perhaps a speaker about something that is specifically of interest to seniors: health issues, local history, housing. Also, it had to be done every week, for less than that would make the gaps in between so long that real socializing and making new friends would not happen. That was the most important of all.
Well, that was the plan, and the church leadership was all for it. But where were all the supplies and the people going to come from? At this point Jack and Joan, both well into their seventies, knew they simply did not have the resources available. But as Christians they knew of one big Resource that would come through if their plan was approved - and they felt confident it was. 'The Lord', they called the Resource. And did He come through?
Indeed. Suddenly the talents and the skill were there: for cooks, a couple that had just sold their restaurant; for the sing-song a superb pianist who could, without sheet music, play any tune you suggested; for the electronic equipment exactly the right man, and so it went on. Everybody was willing and available, even busy professionals obliged immediately as speakers. Also a hundred armchairs were offered for a token price. In a very short time everybody and everything was in place; the news was spread and advertised in the Beacon, and on a Thursday in the middle of March, 2003, the doors were opened. Cridge Club Every Thursday At Noon, Everybody Over 55 Welcome! Said the sandwich board outside.
The first week about 25 brave souls ventured in, which was about what the team of novices could handle. But it soon 'took', and at this birthday party, the numbers were up to 72, just about the number the now experienced team can handle.
But more important than numbers are the changes that have happened to many folks. For starters, the Cridge Club has become the highlight of their week. Not only do they enjoy the meals, the singing and the speakers, but they have made new friends, and they love sitting down with them and visit. That buzz, you know - a sure sign people enjoy themselves.
And not only has it become a favourite place for the guests, the team members also enjoy themselves. They work efficiently and they work hard, but they do it joyfully, and their enthusiasm is caught by the guests. In fact, it often is hard to say who is on the team and who is a guest, for the more mobile among the guests spontaneously pitch in fetching coffee for the others at their table, clearing the tables and picking up the song books. The Cridge Club, in a word, is no longer a program, it's a community.