FOLLOWING news that luncheon and friendship clubs across Wiltshire are to have their funding cut in half as Wiltshire Council seeks to implement a new system of funding, The White Horse News took a trip to Westbury’s over 60’s White Horse Day Centre to find out just how valuable the centre is to members.
The White Horse Day Centre runs every Thursday from 10am to 3pm, and for just £9 members enjoy a three-course meal, plenty of conversation with other members and organisers and a range of popular activities such as quizzes, games and bingo.
One member, Margret Godfrey said, “I love meeting up with my friends, it’s good company and you have a lovely meal to go with your chat – it’s something we look forward to each week, and it comes round so quickly!
“They offer such good value for money as well; you get a full three-course meal and plenty of activities. I just wish more people knew about what is available here, as I’m sure there’s plenty of other people who would benefit from the centre.”
Another member, Michael Bishop, said “I started coming to the club a few months ago. I was made aware of the day centre through social services and I must admit I came for the dinner at first but I soon made friends!”
Chair of the Day Centre, Sue Ezra added, “We had a chap recently who told me that coming to our day centre was the only time he had a hot cooked meal each week. There must be more people in a similar boat, we just need more people to know about us so we can support more people in the town.”
When asked about how they feel about funding cuts to the Day Centre, members said, “We do feel a bit forgotten about to be honest. Wiltshire Council have just overlooked a really vulnerable part of society that doesn’t have a lot of money to throw around. There seems to be so much money at county level, it doesn’t feel like we’re asking for a lot.”
Another member added, “I would be really disappointed if the centre shut down. This is my only chance at mixing with people of a similar age and to take that away would be dreadful. It doesn’t even seem like the centre needs that much to function so I can’t understand their thinking really.
“I think it’s a shame as there’s so many people here that the day centre is the only chance they get to socialise with similar people, I just can’t see where they’ll be getting that from otherwise.”
The Day Centre always welcomes new members and you can join by contacting Sue Ezra on 07816 991 960. The White Horse Day Centre can be found at z Hall, Eden Vale Road, Westbury. BA13 3NZ
