FOUR local ladies have been awarded a 'community champion award' for running a Chat Club for the over 60s at Ovingham Village Hall. 

The Chat Club is held in the Reading Room of the Village Hall every Thursday at 10.15am. People come together for a range of programmes, such as storytelling, quizzes, chair-based exercises, as well as a warm and friendly space for a chat and a cup of tea.

The programme also organises frequent speakers, annual bus trips, and fish and chips away days.

Hazel Chalmers, Kath Lynch, Judy Purvis, and Marion Lewis were each nominated by Chair of Ovingham Parish Council, Doreen Jordon, who recognised the hard work the volunteers put in every week in to offer exciting and engaging activities for local people. 

Local MP Guy Opperman visited the Chat Club at the last Thursday session before Easter. The group were enjoying hot cross buns, eggs, and comparing Easter bonnets. 

Commenting on the visit, Guy Opperman MP said: "It was an absolute pleasure to attend one of the weekly meetings of the Chat Club at Ovingham Village Hall. 

"The ladies who run it, Hazel, Kath, and Judy, are simply outstanding and their love and passion for what they do for their community is really clear to see. Well done to all those involved for running a programme that is so cherished by local people."

Doreen Jordan, Chair of Ovingham Parish Council added: "Well done ladies thoroughly deserved, keep up the good work!"