A CHARITY that provides day care in Wokingham for the elderly will present two major fundraising concerts on the same day in November.
The Glen Miller Orchestra in Concert performs in the afternoon, with an evening show from two tribute bands: Elton and The Rocket Band, and The Police Academy.
Both concerts will raise money for the WADE Day Centre.
Chair of trustees for the charity, Philip Mirfin says:” We’re fund raising to improve our facilities.
“At the moment we can accommodate around 30 visitors at the centre.
“We’d like to extend that number to around 50 or 60 people.
“It means making some changes to the centre.”
The centre on Reading Road provides care for people in their 60’s and upwards.
Some are in the very early stages of dementia seeking companionship, stimulation and activities.
Others are more challenged, with specific care needs.
WADE provides a safe, caring environment, and respite for the carer, who may also be a partner.
“What WADE offers here is really unique,” Mr Mirfin says.
“There is no other organisation in the borough that provides this sort of care, other than residential homes.
“Residential care is very expensive, and people can lose touch with their loved one.
“What we provide is a stepping stone service that allows people to stay at home for longer.”
Family members and partners are welcomed at the centre.
“They can come in, make lunch with their relative here, and then have some time out, knowing their loved one is safe for the day with us.”
The WADE centre would like to make better use of their ground floor by changing the route of circulation.
This would ensure that the whole ground floor is suitable and secure for people who need greater care, while allowing those who can, to use the additional space upstairs.
Extension of the centre’s toilet block is already successfully under way.
“It’s a five star listed building, so it’s costly work,” says Mr Mirfin.
The centre provides a wide range of services for its users.
“When people come to us we have a process of assessment to make sure that we can safely manage their needs.
“Usually we can, even when there are considerable challenges.
“As long as we know in advance we can usually put in place the right people and care.
“We can look after people with bathroom challenges, and we can give them a shower.
“We have a physiotherapist on hand, a hairdresser, and a chiropodist.
The concerts to raise money will enable more people to benefit from WADE’s facilities.
Both performances are very different and should appeal to varied audiences.
“Apparently, the Elton tribute band is so good that Elton’s mum asked him to her birthday.
“If the band is good enough for her, then they’re good enough for us too.
“ The Police Academy are a local band with a big following, so there should be lots of support for them too.”
And in the afternoon, The Official Glenn Miller Orchestra UK will delight with a big band sound.
Tickets for both concerts are steadily selling.
The events take place at the new Carnival Hub in Wokingham.
The concerts can be heard on Saturday, November 19.
Glenn Miller Orchestra in Concert are at 2.15pm, with doors open from 1.30pm.
Tickets cost £29.50 for adults, and £15 for 17yrs and under..
Elton and The Rocket Band, and The Police Academy perform at 7.45pm, with doors open from 6.45pm.
Tickets cost £25.
Wheelchair seats and companion seats are available.
Concert goers wishing to bring a wheelchair should contact WADE on 0118 778 2025 or email wadeconcert@wadecentre.org.uk.
Tickets can be purchased from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/wade-concert
Funds raised will go to support the new Dementia Day Care fund.
For more information about the WADE Day Centre, visit: www.wadecentre.org.uk
