I've been a volunteer at OPAL since about 2013. I'd retired that year but wanted to do something useful with some of my spare time - something where I'd be useful, be able to make a difference and where I could meet others and possibly make new friends too.
This year marks OPAL being open for 20 years. Not only this but it is also 5 years since OPAL opened at the Welcome In! Those of you who have been around for a while will know that before we moved here, OPAL was based in Holt Park behind Asda. At the start of this year we moved our Wednesday Lunch Club to the High Farm Pub to reintroduce OPAL in Holt Park, back where it all began.
All OPAL groups throughout the last week of May and first week of June will have Jubilee themes and activities, with our main celebration being on Friday 27th May.
In 2022, Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, 70 years of service, having acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952 when Her Majesty was 25 years old.
June is Pride month, from everyone here at OPAL we would like to say a massive HAPPY PRIDE to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community!
It is nice to see the Welcome In cafe busy and full of people. If you are a member of OPAL you can pop in any time Wednesday to Friday, 9am to 4pm and ask for the OPAL Special. This is a hearty main course just for OPAL members and only costs £4!. There is also a Pay as you Feel meal that is on Wednesday to Friday in the the cafe.
