On Saturday, September 14 – almost 35 years to the day since its opening – Burwell and District Day Centre hosted its anniversary celebrations under a perfect blue sky at its Parsonage Lane site.
It was back in 1989 that Burwell’s new day centre which was officially opened in a joint ribbon-cutting ceremony by the then chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, Jane Brookes, alongside Hazel Williams who was at that time chair of Burwell Parish Council.
To mark its 35th anniversary, people from across the village – and the generations – turned out in their droves to enjoy the many attractions, live music, barbecue and cream teas to mark the milestone event for what has become the heart of the community over the last three and a half decades.
Each weekday, the centre serves freshly cooked lunches to its visitors, as well as providing a ‘meals on wheels’ service for those who may be housebound.
When the Burwell and District Day Centre was opened in 1989, very few villages in the surrounding area had such a fantastic facility for their residents, especially people aged over 55.
Thirty five years later this still remains the case. And with a national ageing population, facilities such as Burwell Day Centre play a vital role in supporting the growing number of older people.
“It was a great result and a great day,” said Simon Rogers, vice-chair of Trustees and treasurer.
“We were delighted with the support of the local people who turned out to join in our celebrations. Our event raised around £1,000 which is very much needed at this time to support the day-to-day running costs of this excellent facility for the village.”
The centre's previous cook, Sylvia Greenaway baked the 35th celebration cake; first centre manager, Sue Elliott, and current chair of Trustees, Hazel Williams MBE who cut the ribbon 35 years ago, officiated at the anniversary celebrations.
“We would like to thank all the staff, volunteers and visitors for coming along to support Burwell Day Centre,” said Hazel Williams MBE, “and we hope many of you will continue to support this wonderful facility we have here in Burwell for very many years to come.”
For more information contact: Katie Clarke (events manager) at: events.burwelldaycentre@gmail.com or Elly Catlin (manager) on: 01683 743363 or: burwelldaycentre@btinternet.com.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here