IT WAS all about computers, crafts and cakes in Greater Leys as a neighbourhood centre threw open its doors.

The Clockhouse centre, in Long Ground, provides activities and help for the over-50s in Greater Leys and Blackbird Leys.

Groups which use the centre, including the Senior Leys Independent Gardening Organisation, Leys Womens’ Institute and Daybreak, a respite club for carers of people with dementia, set up stalls.

Clockhouse Project development worker Sally Meachim said: “This was a big event to promote all the things that go on in the building and raise awareness of our activities.”

Other groups include the Clockhouse IT Project, which offers computer training and the Singing for Fun group, which meets weekly.

There are also line dancing, tai-chi and yoga classes. A games club will be opening soon.

Ms Meachim said: “Our main target is to reach out to people living in and around the Leys area and find out what they want.

“I think there are, particularly in that age group, quite a lot of people who are living on their own and perhaps have been bereaved.

“A lot of people have poor health and it can be a bit isolating if you’re on your own like that. People can come here and make friends and just enjoy doing different things. It’s something to look forward to.”

She added: “There’s really good community spirit on the Leys. Almost all the stalls were run by volunteers who gave up their time to promote our activities and help older residents.

“I’m always happy to talk to people who are interested. They can just phone me or come along and say hello.”More than 100 people use the centre each week.

The project is funded by the charity Leys Community Development Initiative.

Among those browsing the stalls were Sandra Hook from Cowley and her grand-daughter Lauren, 11, from Blackbird Leys.

Mrs Hook said: “I’m so glad I went, everyone was really friendly and it was smashing.

“I love gardening, I do it when-ever I can and the stuff they had on the stall was really good. Lauren is doing a project at school about plants so she bought some seeds and I bought some plants for home.”

She added: “One lady I spoke to said she had joined because she felt a bit isolated, but now she’s been there years and has lots of friends.”

“I’m going to join the gardening club now.

“It’ll be really nice to join in and I’m looking forward to it.”

  • To find out more about the activities available at the Clockhouse, call Ms Meachim on 01865 395908.