SOUTH DOUGLAS OLD FRIENDS ASSOCIATION TO HOST ADDITIONAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT WINTER

South Douglas Old Friends Association (SDOFA) has been awarded a grant of £2,500 from Manx Lottery Trust to expand its events programme throughout winter.

The Not-for-Profit social club, which is based at Victory Hall on Finch Road, hosts a range of social occasions for its members throughout the year, including live entertainment evenings, games nights and tea dances. 

SDOFA will be using the Community Warm Spaces funding to purchase hot food and refreshments for events. The charity also intends to add a variety of new experiences to its events programme throughout winter, including wine tasting evenings, tribute nights and discos.

David Cretney, Chairman for SDOFA, said: ‘The Association wanted to relieve some of the pressures individuals may be facing during this challenging time by offering a regular warm space that has community spirit at its heart. Our events are wide-ranging, catering to all ages and interests and for as little as £15 a year, members can enjoy everything from tea dances and coffee mornings to tribute acts and games nights.

‘Our hall can cater for up to 150 people, and is the perfect environment to make new friends, whilst enjoying a range of social activities along with fantastic local entertainment and food. We’re very grateful to the Manx Lottery Trust for this generous grant which has given us the opportunity to not only enhance existing events but host many exciting new ones too.’

Stephen Turner, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, said: ‘The Association offers residents a welcoming and social environment and has hosted many special events over the years, and we are delighted to assist them in extending their schedule of social activities and events for the local community throughout winter.’

To find out more about the South Douglas Old Friends Association and their 2023 events programme, visit the charity’s Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/SouthDouglasOldFriendsAssociation. 

This grant is from the Manx Lottery Trust’s Community Warm Spaces Fund, which is funded by the Isle of Man Government. To find out more, head to: www.mlt.org.im/grant-programmes/