Club Taieri where laughter, friendship and banter thrive!

Every Tuesday, a group of about a dozen men gather at Club Taieri - not for a meeting, not for a lecture, but for something far more powerful: connection. They come for the company and the laughs. And if you ask them, they’ll tell you it’s “awesome,” “enjoyable,” and “good entertainment.”

Ian calls it awesome. Des says it’s enjoyable. Doug, with a cheeky grin, adds, “You’re allowed to talk without being told to shut up – at 90, I’m glad about that!” These men, each with a story to tell and a life well-lived, find joy in the simple act of being together.

Games, quizzes, and mini golf spark friendly competition - though no one could quite agree on who the reigning champion is. What they did agree on is that it’s fiercely competitive, and the banter flows freely. During a recent ring toss game, there were jokes about starting strong and playful jabs about who was supervising. But what stood out most was the patience and respect shown to each other. No one commented on how long it took some to walk to the mark; instead, there was quiet support and admiration.

Des, who lives with the effects of a stroke, shared how the men help him out. “We all support each other,” he said. “Here, you can say you’ve had a stroke or have dementia, and it’s all OK.” That sense of acceptance is powerful. “Everyone needs a good laugh every day – and here, we get to do that. It boosts my confidence.”

Mike, finds that sharing stories and memories helps his mind stay active. “I feel myself losing things,” he said, “but getting together with these men means telling my stories – and that helps.” He also loves meeting new people, and Club Taieri gives him that chance.

Dave appreciates the good company and the opportunity to get out of the house. Des reflected on his past as a full-time caregiver and truck driver. Murray sliced bread at Laurenson’s Bakery in Roslyn, where Fresh Choice now stands. Others were shunters on the railways, electricians, and engineers. Ian, a mechanical engineer on the Waipori Dam in his working days, fondly remembers his first job as a message boy, delivering drums of paint by bike. “It was a responsible job,” he said with pride.

These stories, shared over games and laughter, are the heart of Club Taieri. It’s more than a social group - it’s a place of belonging, where men support each other, celebrate each other’s histories, and find joy in the present.

At Presbyterian Support Otago, we know that connection is vital to wellbeing. Club Taieri is a shining example of how community, humour, and shared experience can uplift and empower.

It’s a place where memories are honoured, friendships are forged, and every Tuesday is something to look forward to.

Club Enliven Taieri day programme is open Monday to Friday, with their men’s group on Tuesday.