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Residents get moving with seated exercise class in Thatcham and other venues




A weekly seated chair exercise class is soon expanding to a fourth site.

MOVEability helps people of all ages with limited mobility, disabilities and chronic conditions to stay active, meet new friends and overcome isolation.

Classes run in Thatcham, Hermitage and, since last year, Chieveley.

And more are expected to begin in Newbury once a venue becomes available.

Director Debbie Medlin founded the social enterprise during lockdown – starting classes online – and called the initiative an “undervalued resource” in the local community.

newburytoday recently attended one the Thatcham classes held at Alice Bye Court retirement home in Bluecoats with deputy mayor of Thatcham, Petra Pemberton, to learn more about the benefits.

At 97, Thatcham resident Betty Shepperd is the class’s oldest attendee and has been visiting for almost two years.

She said: “I’ve really enjoyed it and have made more friends.

“My daughter used to help Debbie and said why don’t I come over.”

MOVEability previously received £500 from Waitrose in Thatcham through Waitrose & Partners ‘Give a Little Love Campaign’.

But it is funding from the Sovereign Network Group which has helped sustain and grow it until now.

Classes cost £4 and a social café runs afterwards, providing hot drinks and homemade cake.



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