Starting back after our summer break, we had quite a goodly number of members attending, and after a general welcome, and little business catching up with news since we last met, Julie was introduced to all, although some members did know her, as she came to us from Milford Day Centre, where some of our number do attend once a week.

She told us about the general running of the Centre, and how it first started in The Scout Hut in New Road Milford, when there were 30 Members  by Dr Blowers and his volunteers in 1986/7.

A new site was found and building the new Centre commenced. and was officially opened by Princess Alexandra in 1999. There are now some 250 members, with 11 paid staff and 60 voluntary helpers.

They are open 5 days a week, Fridays being allocated to folk who have suffered a stroke, and their carers.  Lunches are served each day, and there is a Hairdresser, bathing facilities, Chiropody, Computer classes, and various kinds of arts and crafts available.  Julie brought with her Christmas Cards and Birthday Cards, and glass painting items which were for sale, and I think we helped boost their funds by almost £40. Cards are recycled and done very professionally. There are always fund raising efforts going on, organised by various people as the Centre costs £200,000 a year to run, but they do get a Grant for £14,000.

They have a couple of holidays a year, summer and Christmas, this year going to Jersey for their summer holiday.

Our table of interest was any craft which our members had made, the winner being Madge with her Sampler.

We had a most enjoyable afternoon, unfortunately Julie could not stay for tea, which as usual was most welcome, a good raffle was held, and names taken for our last outing of the year.

Three of our Members were wished a good holiday, Sylvia going off to Australia, and Joyce & Mary to Scotland.

F E Sheppard.

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