On Friday 28th July, the Phoenix 50+ club celebrated their 20th anniversary at Worthing Leisure Centre, with a Caribbean themed afternoon of fun and merriment.
Having met in the Shaftesbury Room at the venue for a drinks reception (rum punch) and welcome from South Downs Leisure CEO Duncan Anderson, a raffle went ahead before the celebrations moved in to The Range where revelers were greeted by the harmonious sounds of the Worthing Steel Band playing renditions of a mixture of popular songs. The band played throughout the day, amongst a Caribbean themed dinner courses.
There were various activities hosted by different Phoenix clubs and members throughout the afternoon, including a tap dancing routine from the members of the Beginners Tap class with Su Ford, a power hoop (hula hoop) competition amongst members hosted and taught by Rosie Tucker, as well as Christie’s Latin line dancing display and a Lion King medley with Sue Fairhurst’s singers.
The celebrations finished with a medley of comedy sketches from previous Phoenix parties over the years and the conclusion of the raffle. With around 150 guests present for the celebration, it really was a fitting party for the occasion. There were special guest appearances from the Deputy Mayor, Paul Baker, and Town Crier, Bob Smitherman. We even had a visit from local MP for East Worthing, Tim Loughton, who presented Jeanie Dickenson (Club Co-ordinator) with some gifts from the House of Lords.
Duncan Anderson went on to say “This is a remarkable achievement and one to be very proud of. I have been here for 17 years and remember the club well when I started. Whenever I speak of Worthing Leisure Centre, I always mention the Phoenix Club as is a real success story. Here’s to the next 20 years and beyond.”
The Phoenix club meets at WLC every Friday (except during the Summer holidays) and has been providing leisure, fun and friendship for the over 50’s of Worthing since 1997 and started off with just 15 people. The fact that this has risen to over 450 members over the course of its life span is very much thanks to Jeanie and her team of helpers, as well as its members for getting involved and enjoying the activities for so long.
Worthing Leisure Centre host the Phoenix club, which is a social sports and leisure club for the over 50’s, and they meet most Fridays, offering a wide range of fitness, health, arts and leisure activities, alongside friendship.
If you want to find out more about the Phoenix Club please contact Jeanie Dickenson on 01903 694657. For more information on other South Downs Leisure offerings, please contact 01903 905050 or visit www.southdownsleisure.co.uk.
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