End of era at Wells Day Centre

Emma Knights For more than 30 years the Wells Day Centre has been a social lifeline for the elderly but yesterday the group met for its final time.It is one of a number of centres closing as a result of funding cuts by Norfolk County Council, with the loss of the bus link serving the centre being a key reason for it having to shut.

Emma Knights

For more than 30 years the Wells Day Centre has been a social lifeline for the elderly but yesterday the group met for its final time.

It is one of a number of centres closing as a result of funding cuts by Norfolk County Council, with the loss of the bus link serving the centre being a key reason for it having to shut.

Lynette Andrews, who has been the organiser of the club for 16 years, described yesterday's farewell event as having a party atmosphere but being tinged with sadness.

She said everybody was going to miss the centre but said that yesterday was a beautiful day as the members had all been determined to celebrate their club which had met every Wednesday at The Maltings, in Staithe Street.

Yesterday they enjoyed tucking in to roast pork and trifle and were treated to entertainment including musical performances from Wells Primary School.

The club had about 25 members aged between 75 and 96-years-old, and Mrs Andrews said although they can no longer meet on a weekly basis, a few informal outings are planned.

Marie Strong, Norfolk county councillor for Wells, said it was a great pity that the centre had had to close because it had been so important to its members.

Wells Day Centre first opened in 1979 at the Church Rooms in Wells before moving to The Maltings.