Coffee club members.
Supporters toast the start of the new Horton Coffee Club. From left, in the front row, are Vince Pallen, Norm Eady and Peter Pallen; back row, Ernie Eady, Lillian Bole, Bertha Eady and club co-ordinator Nellie Kingsbury.
Steve Newman, Renfrew Mercury
Horton Township has a new coffee club, thanks to the suggestion of Norm Eady and followup by local volunteers.
Nellie Kingsbury, who retired in 2009 after a nearly 40-year career at Bonnechere Manor, will co-ordinate the club that is scheduled to take place every Wednesday afternoon.
That timetable may change if there’s less interest in the summer months, but look for the club to have a regular winter and early-spring home at the Horton Community Centre.
The cost is right. Visitors will be asked for $1 for one or more cups of coffee, while a volunteer or two each week will be asked to donate some munchies, like cookies, scones or other snacks, for the occasion. Tea will also be available.The club will run from 1 to 3 p.m.
“I thought it was a great idea,” said Kingsbury, saying the winter especially is a time when people feel more isolated and find it more difficult to get out to events. There isn’t a whole lot going on, especially during the day, and it’s close to home for most. They may not want to drive all the way into Renfrew, but they’ll drive here (on Castleford Road).”
Besides, adds the co-ordinator, “It’s a good feeling to do something to help others.”
The club may also feature cards and cribbage, and even low-key entertainment.
“We’re open to suggestions,” said Kingsbury. “It will be fairly low-key, nothing noisy or high volume.”
More than 20 people attended the club’s opening day.