Day centre’s June reopening plans

A WESTBURY group aiming to combat loneliness in the elderly plans to restart sessions on 21st June.

The White Horse Day Centre which is based at Grassacres Hall in the town park has been closed since just before the first lockdown.

Day centre chairperson, Sue Ezra, said, “Members are aged 80 plus so it was too risky for everyone, to re-open. I’m also chair of Welfare for the Elderly which runs the hall, and we have the Leg Club and Shining Lights, a religious group. There are also The Rainbows, who are little ones, and martial arts and Thai Chi groups so they have different rules. 

“We have a co-ordinator who stayed in contact with members while we were closed – we sent them all Christmas cards which is very important at that age, When we do re-open the first meeting we hope to have some sort of celebratory dinner.”

Sue said the hall had joined the Village Hall Association which had been very helpful.

“We are very greatful for the help they have given us in where to get funding to keep going. The hall still had bills to pay even though it was closed- the telephone and broadband line for example. 

“We’ve had funding from Wiltshire Council and government funding via Wiltshire Council. We desperately needed it.”

Sue said the White Horse Day Centre was looking for new members. “We run a Thursday session and want to restart our Tuesday sessions if we can up the numbers. Anyone interested in joining can just come for a coffee at first to see if they enjoy it.”

Sessions cost £9 and run from 10am to 3pm. Members have coffee and a chat in the morning, a three-course lunch, then in the afternoon we do indoor sports such as curling [pictured] and skittles, a cup of tea and a few rounds of bingo. 

Anyone interested in joining can contact Sue on 07816  991960, and she will  put them in touch with the right person to speak to. 

The group works with local area coordinator for Westbury, Steven Hubbard, and the White Horse Health Centre to spread the word of the services they provide for those aged over 60.