A CENTRE for older people in the borough opened its doors following extensive repairs and refurbishment in the building.
A ribbon cutting event at Wokingham’s Wade Day Centre at the weekend was attended by around 100 people.
Visitors were able to enjoy the gardens, sample some of the top class home cooked food that Wade members enjoy at the centre, and see the charity’s newly refurbished quiet lounge.
Special guests were: the King’s representative, Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Andrew Try; Wade patron and deputy lieutenant of Berkshire and high steward of Wokingham Lucy Zeal; MP for Bracknell James Sunderland; Cllr Stephen Conway, leader of Wokingham Borough Council; Cllr Clive Jones; Cllr Beth Rowlands, Wokingham Borough Council mayor; and deputy Wokingham town mayor Cllr Robert Comber.
Many of the borough’s adult care support organisations were also represented.
Philip Mirfin, chair of the board of trustees said: “In January last year two water tanks fractured, allowing gallons of water to cascade through three floors of our 1860’s listed building.
“There was a lot of damage, but our insurers agreed to the repairs.”
“We replaced the tanks quite quickly, but unfortunately an overtightened plumbing joint led to a second, much worse, flood that brought down two ceilings, damaged furnishings and floors, and destroyed electric cabling.
“It was an absolute nightmare.
“Fortunately these repairs were also covered by insurance, and now that the work is complete we can re-open the wing, and offer full use of the ground floor once again.”
Mr Mirfin thanked trustees and staff, who he said had performed miracles to keep the day centre open throughout the disruption.
He also praised Friends of Wade, and Wokingham In Need, both of whom have supported the charity throughout the repairs, trustee David Lee for his work with the insurers, and vice chair Sandy Sweet for managing the organising committees.
Mr Try opened the new lounge, and cut a specially made spring-themed cake.
The Wade centre offers daytime respite care for the over 60’s and those with early onset dementia.
Daily lunches, activities and on site services provide members with opportunities to join a community and to make friends.
Trustee Sallyanne Steatham, said: “I was a child carer for my granny, and I’ve always loved older people.
“Loneliness is one of the biggest killers of older people, and here they find friendship and company – it’s just super.
“I really admire the work that Wade does, and I felt I’d like to be a part of it.”
Another trustee, Louise Wingfield, said: “Wokingham is so lucky to have Wade.
“So many places have nothing like it, but here we have such amazing faciliities.
“Respite is really key for people.
“One 84 year old who brings her husband here for respite told me that it allows her to do her university paper marking, which wasn’t what I expected her to say.
“It just shows that it doesn’t matter whatever your age, anyone can benefit from some time to use their day constructively.”
In the main lounge, members were enjoying lunch, with music from pianist Chris Bowring.
Peggy, 94, said: “I live at home on my own, and it’s really nice to come here and be with people.
“I come every day for lunch, card games, and to chat.
“It’s a lovely environment and there’s always someone to talk to, or even just to meet eyes with and share a smile.
“With no relatives, and my husband gone, I could be sitting at home watching rubbish on the television, but here I’m seeing friends across the table.
“I’d advise anyone living on their own to come along.”
On another table, David said: “The food’s very good, it’s all home cooking and very good value.
“We do quizzes here, bingo sometimes, and I even did flower arranging the other day.
“My wife had done a lot, and I used to watch what she did.
“They offered it here, so I thought I’d have a go.
“I really enjoyed it, and I was pleased with the result.”
Fellow diner Rodney joked that another benefit of coming to the Wade centre was not having to do any washing up.
Manager Emma Hamilton, said: “We cater for varying abilities, with lots of different activities to suit everyone, for example; tai chi, singing, dancing, crafts, drawing and painting.
“People can join in with activities and conversations if they wish, but they are also able to enjoy some quiet time too.
“Trying something new can be daunting, but Wade is a lovely big family and everyone is so friendly.
“There’s something about it, and we’d love more people to come and enjoy what we offer.”
The day centre is open from Monday to Friday, from 9am until 4pm.
Annual membership costs £20, and a two course home cooked meal costs £7.50.
For more information, visit: www.wadecentre.org.uk
