A MORTIMER golf club representative visited a Wokingham disco for people with disabilities.
He was there to hand over a substantial cheque to the group’s organisers.
Dave Cooper from De Vere Wokefield Estate Golf Club dropped in to the Friday Night Project, to make a donation of £2,000.
The project is run by Ascot based charity, The Ark, which supports people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
It provides a weekly music and social evening in Wokingham for adults and their carers.
Mr Cooper said: “There is a lack of actives in the area for people with special needs.
“The Friday night project is a fantastic group, and the people who run it are some of the most dedicated individuals you could ever know.
“But it’s under funded.
“This donation should help to update the organisation’s disco equipment and hopefully contribute to future events.
“The reception I received from the people there on Friday was fantastic, and their gratitude was truly heart warming.
“I couldn’t stop smiling all the way home.”
Support and activities co-ordinator for The Ark, Kate Inglis, said: “Friday Night Project has a very good turn out.
“It’s a safe space for people to come and have a great night with friends and family or supporters.
“We were overwhelmed by the kind donation from Dave Cooper and the members of De Vere Wokefield Estate Golf Club.
“It will be used solely for the Friday Night Project, and will enable us to replace some of our disco equipment.
“We particularly need new lights and speakers.”
Around 80 people, and their supporters come to enjoy the regular evening discos.
“We often have around 110 people in all, which is why we need a reasonably large space,” said Ms Inglis.
“We run the social event every week except Christmas and Good Friday.
“Kindness like this, from Dave and the De Vere Wokefield Estate Golf Club, will help us to keep providing our services.
“We look forward to being able to offer this weekly disco and safe space for many years to come.”
As well as Friday discos, The Ark provides a range of activities for people with disabilities, including craft sessions, a weekly drama group, monthly trips out and mini breaks.
“And we have a charity shop and community space in Wildridings called Forget-Me-Knot,” said Ms Inglis.
“It provides opportunities for volunteers with disabilities to come and work in the shop.”
The Ark also runs the community response which supports the local community in Bracknell Forest.
Friday Night Project discos are open to all people with disabilities, aged 18 and above.
Support staff are not provided during the evening, so those who need assistance should bring someone with them.
An evening of dancing can be enjoyed every Friday, with the exception of bank holidays.
The events take place at St Crispins School sports hall, from 7pm to 9.30pm.
There is no need to book ahead, people can just turn up on the night.
Entry costs £5 per person, and accompanying staff enter free.
For more information visit: www.theark.org.uk
For information about the golf club visit: www.devere.co.uk/wokefield-estate
