Have you heard the laughter and chatter echoing from inside the Bogan Gate Community Memorial Hall recently?
If you have you will find it was coming from the many friendly locals who come together to participate in seniors workshops.
The Bogan Gate seniors workshops began last year and with their success are being held again this year.
Bogan Gate Seniors Workshops coordinator and Bogan Gate Hall secretary, Shelley Nutley, said the workshops were established for people to pop in and get to know others.
"We have a great program arranged for this autumn, winter and spring ranging from felt craft, weaving, painting, bingo, low impact tennis and gentle exercise," Shelley said.
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"Looking after your mental health and getting to know other people in the area is why we started these workshops.
"It's important to know somebody else in the area and if you have a problem you can ring them up and say 'hey I need help'."
Ever since the workshops started last year there has been a group of seniors who haven't stopped attending.
"Ros and I come because we have to but even on the days we're not actually physically running the workshops ourselves we still come," Shelley said.
"It's good for the mental health and everybody is busy."
Shelley said if she didn't go to the workshops she would be working at home and not seeing anyone and that is the same for many Bogan Gate seniors who live on a property.
"So unless we come to things like this we just don't see anyone."
Lat year Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations funded the workshops together with Jemalong Irrigation and Bogan Gate Hall.
This year the seniors workshops are backed by Australia Post, GrainCorp, Parkes Shire Council and Bogan Gate Hall (volunteers and venue).
With grants from businesses it means the group are able to pay people to come in and run workshops, buy supplies and supply morning tea.
"These grants enable these workshops to go ahead," Shelley added.
The seniors who attended the first workshop said attending the workshops gives them a chance to socialise, learn new skills, see a different four walls and catch up with people.
"It's a good social time, the conversation is anything and everything and nothing in between," Ros Edwards said.
Some ladies even said it's a chance to get away from their husbands but for others their husbands have seen how enjoyable the workshops are and join in on the fun.
Seniors workshops are exclusive to Bogan Gate postcode seniors only with all equipment and supplies for workshops included and no cost to participants.
To book your spot and for more information contact Shelley on 0428 738 172.
