How We Work

Every morning the buses will go out, driven by volunteers and collect some of the members that are not able to get to the centre by their own means. Then on arrival tea or coffee is served followed by a hot two course meal at lunchtime with tea and biscuits in the afternoon.  All dietary needs are catered for.

The Day Centre is a hive of activity with members able to join in Zumba, Seated dance classes, quietly socialise with friends in the lounge, or simply watch the television in our conservatory.

There are usually a few rounds of bingo, a quiz or a raffle, while others prefer a game of cards.

Our Programmes

We put on lots of activities and programmes for our members, take a look at some of the things we have to offer:

At the Centre

Services provided at the Day Centre include hairdressing and chiropody. There are regular visits from local people who organise cake sales, fashion sales and card and gift sales.

Day Trips

Day trips by coach and weekend breaks by the sea are popular with members as are concerts given by visiting groups. Parties are organised by the Day Centre to celebrate Christmas, Halloween, Easter and birthdays and are always enjoyed by both members and volunteers.

5 Days a Week

Although a shortage of drivers is currently limiting our days of opening, in normal times we are open every weekday.

Our History

During the 1970’s, Dr Geoffrey Chandler, the Senior Doctor at Magnolia House Surgery, Sunningdale, had recognised that there was a strong need to establish a centre for the elderly within the Ascot District.

The Day Centre would offer support, to enable the elderly to continue living in their own homes for as long as possible by offering a friendly and pleasant environment during the day, where they could meet and engage with others, be involved in activities and enjoy morning coffee, a hot two course lunch and afternoon tea.

In 1975, with the support of other like minded people within the community, including current trustees, June Martin MBE and Elvira Fletcher, a luncheon club was established, at first using the Council offices (then attached to Kingswick House) for 2 days a week.

Later, using the Cordes Hall, Sunninghill. Months later, a portacabin was erected on the current site.  It was funded mainly by Help-the-Aged and supplied by Hallams of Langley.

In 1978, through the determined efforts of Dr. Chandler and his colleagues, a site was obtained from the Borough and funds raised to enable the current premises to be built.  Dr Chandler became the first Chairman of the Day Centre, supported then by June Martin as secretary.  Dr Chandler stepped down as Chairman in 1981 and was ably replaced by Charles Riley, Local District Councillor.  Mr Riley’s aim was to have the new premises built in brick.  The portocabin was transported by air to Coworth Park School. The new brick facilities were open 5 days a week, to anyone over the age of 50 years and living within the local community.

June Martin remembered with great enthusiasm, that the Centre was opened by Lord Lieutenant Gordon Palmer.  At the time the ribbon was being cut, everyone looked up to the clear blue skies of that particular day to see the sight of Concorde flying past from London Heathrow-fluid.

In 1991, Mr Charles Riley was replaced as Chairperson by Mrs June Martin. In 1993, June established Day Care Plus, a Saturday operation, organised to provide the less physically able with an alternative place to go, once a week, to meet other people.  This also allows their Carers and families to have some respite.

June Martin worked tirelessly in the voluntary sector within the Ascot District and was awarded the MBE in 2000 for her services to the community. In 2006 she retired from being Chairperson of the Ascot District Day Centre but continued as Honorary Life President until her death in 2020.

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