An exciting new community-inspired initiative is happening in your local pub! Pubs play an important role in our local communities, and they can provide much more than you think; they can be that vital link to making new friends.

In collaboration with Live at Home, Okell’s Inns will be holding its first ‘Woody Club’ on Thursday, 18th April, at the Woodbourne Pub in Douglas.

Karen Winter, CEO of Live at Home, said, "Pubs can be the central hub that cements relationships, develops friendships, and provides social interaction. As a charity, we are extremely excited to be involved in the launch of the ‘Woody Club.’ We will be bringing some of our members along on 18th April, facilitating a fun Bingo session on the day, and we hope that many more people will join us. For Live at Home, having this opportunity to use this facility to bring people together to help eliminate loneliness and social isolation."

Jason Lowe from Okell’s Inns said, "The Woodbourne has been a popular part of its local community for many decades. Traditionally, pubs have always been meeting places for friends and neighbours to socialise. We recognise that our organisation has fantastic spaces that could be utilised more and in a different way to bring people together. We will be offering a space for people to play games, have a chat, and make new friends. I hope that we can encourage people to see their local pub as somewhere much more than a place to drink. It's about giving something back to the community and enjoying the space."

Trevor Latus, landlord of the Woody, commented, "We will be waiting to welcome you into this beautiful building, providing a warm space, a welcoming environment, and a place to sit and chat. We have purchased some varied, interesting, and mind-challenging games for you to try. I would like to think that we can encourage people out of their houses and into this community space. Wouldn’t it be nice to think that in the future we could have social groups of all ages coming together to meet at the Woody Club on a Thursday?"

So, if you have never been to the Woodbourne, now is your chance to see what it's all about. Join Live at Home on Thursday, 18th April, for a fun, friendly game of Bingo. There will be prizes, lots of laughs, and you never know, you may become part of a new community. Tea and coffee will be provided, and there may even be a sandwich or biscuit or two!

For more information, please contact: Jason.lowe@hb.im