Charity Feature - Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, March 4, 2021 31

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Newbury Weekly News

Fun, of od and friendship at Fair Close Centre

SINCE the Fair Close Centre was opened in 1967 by the Queen Mother, it has become a vital community hub, providing older people with a place of their own in Newbury to meet, eat and enjoy events and activities. With the onset of the pandemic, the centre faced many challenges, from the logistics of upscaling its meals on wheels operation to seven days a week, while implementing Government guidelines on social distancing and customer safety, to keeping in touch with its 200 members, many of whom live alone and have felt increasingly isolated. The centre has continued to operate throughout the many lockdowns thanks to the support of the Greenham Trust. The charity has been able to invest in new kitchen equipment and staff training as part of the plans to reopen the restaurant as soon as the Government gives the go-ahead and with the support of the National Lottery it has increased its welfare services with telephone calls to members in the evenings and at weekends. Working with the UK Men’s

Collecting for Eight Bells before the pandemic

Volunteer with Eight Bells

and wellbeing. This could include:

n Meet new people. n Gain new or use existing skills. n Get experience. n Make a big difference to your community. If this sounds like this could be something for you or you want to find out more please contact Andrea at community.strength@ eightbellsnewbury.co.uk or phone 07985 404302. Alternatively find out more at http://eightbellsnewbury.co.uk/ cs or to apply online go to http://eightbellsnewbury.co.uk/ volunteer

DO you have a good understanding of what is going on where you live? Do you have a bit of time to give to someone who might need your help or is lonely? Eight Bells is looking for people with the right attitude and qualities to help them strengthen the local community and to support people to live healthy, independent lives for as long as possible. Eight Bells is looking for Community Navigators – volunteers to support people to improve their mental health

Sheds Association and with support from Sovereign, the centre is now planning a Men’s Shed, which will provide a space for men to connect and converse while making and mending – of course women will be welcome too. Chair of the trustees Josie Reed said: “We are incredibly grateful to all those who have supported Fair Close during the pandemic – volunteers who have delivered the lunches, served in the restaurant and helped in so many ways behind the scenes. “We have had fantastic support from the Greenham Trust,

Stream Networks, Newbury Racecourse and the Berkshire Community Fund and now we hope to open the centre again in April and welcome everyone back. “I know how much Fair Close means to people and I for one can’t wait for the time when it is once again its busy happy self with doors and arms wide open.” The Fair Close Centre receives no public funding and is reliant on donations and grants. If you would like to support the centre, please visit www.fairclosecentre.org/donate

n Having a chat and cuppa to understand interest and needs. n Signposting to local services and community activities, n Helping to build confidence to attend groups and activities. n Helping people to access a wider range of information so they can make better choices. n Building social networks that will link people together. Volunteering in your local community can be very rewarding and is a great way to:

FUN, FOOD AND FRIENDSHIP FOR SENIORS IN WEST BERKSHIRE AND NORTH HAMPSHIRE 53 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS SERVICE NOW PLANNING FOR LIFE AFTER LOCKDOWN! • Men’s Shed in development

WE NEED YOUR HELP During this crisis the staff, members and trustees at Eight Bells are working hard to support those who are struggling emotionally and mentally. To do this Please donate via the Good Exchange via the following link:-

• 2 new minibuses ready to extend our reach • 7 day meals on wheels service to be con nued • 7 day restaurant and café at Fair Close

• Hairdressing and footcare back in the centre • New ac vi es and resump on of old favourites SO MUCH TO LOOK FORWARD TO (AS SOON AS POSSIBLE) WATCH THIS SPACE…! www.fairclosecentre.org / Facebook Contact us by: email hello@fairclosecentre.org/ Or phone our new Centre Manager, Louise Davies to find out more on 01635 40488

For more information check out our website www.eightbellsnewbury.co.uk Email: coordinator@eightbellsnewbury.co.uk https://tinyurl.com/NWN8Bells Or alternatively text EIGHTBELLS to 70660 to donate £3