Limes Avenue Baptist Church

Where Christ Makes The Difference

TOFS Report

 for Bedgrove Residents and Community Association Magazine

December 2006

A toff, according to the dictionary, is a distinguished person. Many retired people would not regard themselves, therefore as toffs. Yet there are an increasing number of TOFS people in the Bedgrove community.

TOFS is the local group for people of retirement age, which was inaugurated at Limes Avenue Baptist Church during last summer. It now meets regularly once a month on the third Tuesday of the month, giving senior citizens time out of the house, time out from the daily routine, time out from the possible loneliness of living alone, and time out to meet old friends and make new ones.

 

The three-day summer event proved a very enjoyable time out, with some saying it felt as if they had actually been on holiday.  Others made new friends and have since enjoyed coffee breaks with each other. The programme of various activities prompted some to pursue a new hobby, while the IT Basics sessions encouraged several to the overcome their fear of computers and even to acquire their own laptop. All who attended commented on what great fun the whole event was.

 

During the autumn the monthly meetings have included a Desert Island Discs afternoon. Set against a realistic desert island stage-set created by Norman Ashton, six TOFS members had their choice of music played, and gave some background to the reasons for their choice. Irene Keeper and Gerry Norman recounted experiences in the Second World War. Rex Wakefield outlined the moves that brought him to Bedgrove. Hon George recalled experiences as a District Nurse in Somerset. Olive Cogger shared personal tragedies and her faith in God. Ted Simmonds spoke of the early influences that gave him a love of classical music.

 

A Christmas crafts programme had everyone making truffles, table decorations, ornaments or cards for Christmas, or crocheted blanket squares for charity

 

The December meeting began with a Christmas lunch prepared by the TOFS catering team, and was followed by a Carol Service. A short Christmas address was given by Pastor Alan Harvey. 

 

An interesting programme is planned for the New Year and all men and women of reitrement age in the Bedgrove community who would like some "time out" are welcome.