Owenbeg Bowling Club hosts festive lunch to help socially connect

1 January 2025

OWENBEG Bowling Club in Downpatrick opened its doors to welcome the community for a festive lunch before Christmas with a special appearance from Santa and Mrs Claus.

The families who attended took part in singing, dancing and a Christmas raffle as everyone entered into the spirit of the season.

South Eastern Trust social worker, Christina Freel, explained the event was a chance to experience some Christmas cheer and for people to “socially connect”.

She said: “We try to get people who, ordinarily, might not go out for events.

“This is very much an opportunity for our elderly community, who perhaps might not have family around, or they come with their family to have and enjoy a bit of Christmas cheer, get together and socially connect.”

Event attendee, Bernie Torrens-Spence, said her mum is 94 and a half and in the very early stages of dementia.

“We thought this would be a lovely way for mummy, my aunt, my sister and I to spend a lovely time before Christmas socialising and mixing in with other members of the community,” she added.

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