Party time for Thame’s Day Centre!

ALMOST a hundred members, helpers and volunteers at the Thame and District Day Centre, came together at the Oxford Belfry Hotel today (20/12) to celebrate Christmas together, the first Christmas party since they moved to the new Thame Cricket Club pavilion earlier in the year.

Following a warm welcome by the Centre’s Manager, Gill Coleman, a three course meal, wine, mince pies and coffee were enjoyed by all and, following the Chairman’s report from Alison Champken Woods, came the fun, provided by the multi-voiced, multi-talented, one-woman ‘Isabel’s Frantic Theatre’. The show ranged from a singing Dalek, to Three Little Maids from School, who shared one pair of legs between them! Comedy, song and theatre furiously interspersed with each other kept, what on paper should have been ‘a challenging audience’, fully engaged throughout her 45 minute show. Well done Isabel!!

All the members, their drivers, helpers and guests, eventually went on their way, no doubt with their spirits lifted and a song in their hearts, all thanks to the centre’s tireless Manager (who personally has faced her own year of challenges), the trustees and the army of volunteers who make it possible for the more senior members of Thame’s community to get out of their homes once or twice a week to socialise, to be stimulated and to enjoy Christmas with their peers, to meet old friends and make new ones.

You can watch Alison Champken Woods, the Chair of the Trustees of Thame and District Day Centre, deliver her Chairman’s report, HERE  Apologies for the abrupt ending of the recording before the end of Alison’s report. Unrecorded, Alison went on to say:

A long waiting list!

“We have also managed to recruit further three Trustees who will bring differing skills to the Board of Trustees. We have submitted the paperwork for the ‘sustainability grant’ again, applying for three years’ funding this time based on the pressure we currently find ourselves under with our current waiting list plus those wishing to attend from Holton. The grant application was supported by the updated sustainabilitity plan incorporating achievements and an updated business plan for the coming year.

‘Need to be flexible to meet the challenges ahead’

“It is essential that the Day Centre is innovative in what if offers members and continues to a friendly and welcoming environment for all concered. As previously stated, we need to be flexible to meet the challenges ahead and there is arequirement for a ‘drop in’ service for those elderly who do not want to attend the full Day Centre but pop in for tea/coffee with their friend etc. This is where the Day Centre needs to work closely with other nearby facilities.

A growing elderly population

“A significant amount of work will need to be undertaken over the coming years, including significant engagement with both local communities/businesses and national organisations to ensure a crucial service for a growing elderly population continues for both Thame and the surrounding communities.

“We have engaged the services of a marketing expert, who is with us today, to help us over the next few months in reviewing our brand/website/information leaflets. What we as Trustees must do is to continue to move forward, to look ahead and to plan for the predicted increase of the elderly within our community, especially those over the age of 80/85.

 Thanks to all supporters

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Trustees and all volunteers for their support over the last 12 months, but most importantly Gill and Kate for their tireless efforts in the move which was extremely stressful for us all. I would also like to thank thank the Cricket Club for their support and help during the move and helping us to settle into our new environment, particularly Angus, Judith, Christine and John. Thank you too to all the local organisations who continue to support the Day Centre, including staff from White Stuff.

Gill Coleman (centre) with volunteer, Christine Tacq (right) and one of the Day Centre members

“I would also like to thank the staff here at The Belfry for looking after us all so well and it just remains for me to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year. THANK YOU ALL!”