Age-Friendly Coordinator Katie Gatt leads our work to build an Age Friendly community in South Lakeland. She works with partner organisations, agencies, authorities and local residents to ensure more people have an opportunity to enjoy a good later life, and to reduce inequalities in aging.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Ulverston Table Tennis Club, who received funding from the Age Friendly Activities Fund. Pam and Keith Dymond, who run the club, noticed a real appetite for more opportunities for people over 50 to get active and connect with others. So in January 2026 they launched the new Tuesday Bat & Chat sessions at Ulverston Park Sports Club.
With around 25 players attending each week, the sessions have quickly become a huge success. I was welcomed so warmly by everyone, and it was wonderful to see such an inclusive atmosphere—complete beginners playing alongside experienced players, all having a great time!
Seven tables were in full use throughout the session, and plenty of people were lining up to have a go at the ball-drilling machine, which looked like brilliant fun.
During my visit, I had the chance to chat with Judith (77) and Helen (72) about why they decided to join.
Helen had been looking for something a bit different to try, and when she spotted a Facebook post about the session, she thought she’d give it a go. She’s now been coming every week since it started, and has made lots of new friends along the way. When I asked what she enjoys most, she said: “It’s nice to be in a room where there’s laughter, fun, socialising and no judgement.”
Encouragement
She then shared a favourite quote from The Shawshank Redemption: “Get busy living, or get busy dying.”
“I’ve chosen to get busy living!” she added with a smile.
Judith’s journey is quite different. After sadly losing her husband three years ago, she became increasingly agoraphobic and rarely left the house. She had balance issues and wasn’t getting any exercise. With encouragement from her family, especially her granddaughter who started taking her on short walks around Ford Park, Judith slowly began to build confidence again.
At first she needed a walking stick and support, but over time she got stronger, more active, and felt ready to join the Friday session, where she loved the social side (and the cake!) She now plays twice a week, no longer needs a stick, and says she feels better than she has in years – thanks to table tennis and the wonderful people she’s met through the club.
Stay active
I also met Anna, who ruptured her Achilles tendon playing tennis a few years ago. After a long two‑year recovery, she wasn’t able to go back to tennis in the same way, so she turned to table tennis instead – and now she’s hooked!
As she put it: “When you retire, you’re not ready for the knackers yard – this group allows me to stay active and have fun!”
Then there’s Peter, who has had two new hips due to arthritis and years of playing sports. While he can’t play the sports he used to, table tennis has become the perfect fit, keeping him active both physically and socially.
It was truly inspiring to see firsthand the positive impact that the Age Friendly Activities Grant has had on so many people’s lives. Huge congratulations – and a heartfelt thank you – to Pam and Keith for creating such a warm, welcoming club.
Long may it continue!