Robins throw pensioners' party

4:54pm Tuesday 2nd December 2008

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NURTURING potential has long been a priority for any football club, but Altrincham are showing they care about both ends of the age spectrum by opening their doors to the town's pensioners for a festive get-together.

The Robins are eager to build on this season's success in the Blue Square Conference by strengthening ties with the local community and have arranged a Christmas lunch for senior citizens at Moss Lane on Wednesday, December 17.

The latest initiative follows a visit by children from Woodheys and Tyntesfield primary schools in Sale, who cheered the side on to a 1-0 win over Cambridge United and showed off their own skills by playing each other on the pitch at half-time.

The club are even providing their own chef for their latest event, in the Jill Oates sponsors' lounge, starting at 12.30pm, to ensure cullinary standards are up to scratch.

Alty fan Dave Johnson, who has worked in the kitchens at the Cresta Court Hotel, was quick to volunteer his services after joining recently-formed fans' group the Altrincham Supporters' Club.

'It was actually Dave's idea,' said TASC chairman Brian Flynn. 'He came up to me and explained his background was in catering and how about if we organised a Christmas lunch for pensioners?

"As a club, we like to be as inclusive as possible with community relations, and we were all for it."

The cost is £5.95 for three courses, followed by coffee and mince pies, and places can be booked by contacting Derek Wilshaw on 928 1045.