A centre for the elderly and in Thames Ditton got a boost this week, after receiving £1,500 from three donors.
The Ember Centre, which is based at the Vera Fletcher Hall in Ember Court Road, was nearly closed down by the council this year, but managed to keep its doors open following a successful campaign.
The centre will use the money for new classes and activities including computers and the internet, art and craft classes.
The three donors, who each gave £500, were Libby McIntyre, chairman of Thames Ditton and Weston Green Residents’ Association, Tom Rees, secretary of the Vera Fletcher Hall Association and a local resident who wishes to remain anonymous.
Ms McIntyre said: “We are delighted the centre has been saved, as it is so important to our whole community that we provide local services for our elderly people to stop them being isolated.
“This is one of the reasons that we are putting money into the Ember Centre so it can benefit from new computer and other classes that will help them to be part of the 21st century.”
Joy Woodhead, chairman of the Friends of the Ember Centre, said: “On behalf of the Friends of the Ember Centre may I thank you most sincerely for your generosity today.
“I personally see it as a continuation of the support you extended to us last February when we thought the centre would have to close.
“[It] will encourage even more over 55s out of their homes to join us here.”
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