The Parish Magazine January 2024

26 The Parish Magazine - January 2024
around the villages — 4
Twyford Age Concern Centre re-opens with
new invaluable services for all the elderly
The Age Concern Twyford Centre
has been relaunched and is now
providing a range of new services
for the elderly.
Over the last 25 years, the charity
has supported hundreds of local
members and their families. Through
the generosity of local suppliers and
charities, they have been able to
update the Twyford Centre with new
lighting, new chairs, new window
blinds and a fresh lick of paint. And
they have introduced a range of new
services, including the Anne Greaves
fully-equipped salon to provide
hairdressing and chiropody, and an
evening meals take home service.
COMPANIONSHIP
‘We are delighted to be able to
provide these invaluable services
and companionship in the heart of
our local community,' said Patrick
Heather, chairman of the board of
trustees.
'The new evening take home meal
service for members attending the
same day, is proving very popular',
he said.
The Anne Greaves Salon was
officially opened by the Rt Hon
Theresa May, Member of Parliament
for Maidenhead.
NEW MANAGER
A new centre manager, Alan
Boyle, has been appointed and as
well as the day-to-day running,
he is responsible for developing
relationships with Age Concern
partners and the local community,
and increasing membership.
For the last 12 years, Alan has
been a director of his own company.
Since starting at the centre he has
implemented many new systems to
move from paper based to digital.
He has also introduced new
services for both members and nonmembers
and is now focusing on
obtaining funding for a new minibus
to enable them to serve more of the
surrounding community.
He said, ‘It’s been a pleasure to
meet our members and many of our
volunteers, who not only assist as carers
and relief cooks, but also those who
provide the much-needed transport
services for our members.
'We really need more of these
wonderful people especially as our
membership is on the increase.'
‘Outside the centre,' he added, 'I
have a very busy family life. My wife
and I have three children whom we love
spending quality time with. My wife
also works in the care sector as a nurse.’
Alan is supported by the
long-serving care manager, Debs
Heffernan and an experienced team
of carers, kitchen staff, drivers and
volunteers.
REJUVENATING
'Today,' said Alan, 'we need your
help to continue developing the centre to
provide the best possible facilities and
reach as many local people who need our
services as possible.
'Your donation will contribute to one
of the many projects rejuvenating our
centre.
'Whether it be the funding of a new
WAV — Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
— to reach those less mobile, or a new
kitchen to provide warming lunches to
our members.
'Every donation makes an impact.
'We are also always looking for new
volunteers to join our friendly team in
Anna Griessel, dreamstime.com
the main hall, the kitchen or as drivers
to bring members to the Centre.'
INDEPENDENCE
Age Concern Twyford & District
is a registered charity (1163722).
It aims to promote and maintain
independent living for elderly
residents in the local community.
The Centre is in Polehampton
Close opposite the library. It is open
Monday to Friday and offers a freshly
cooked hot daily lunch, evening
take home meals, seated exercises,
crafts, entertainment, carer support,
chiropody and hairdressing services,
and are Dementia friendly.
CONTACT DETAILS
AGE CONCERN CONTACTS
Chairman: President: Patrick Lady S Heather Watt
Centre Manager: Alan Boyle
Care Manager: Debs Heffernan
0118 934 4040
Alan@ageconcerntwyford.org.uk
www.ageconcerntwyford.org.uk
@AgeConcernTwyford
Age Concern Twyford Centre
Polehampton Close
Twyford, Reading RG10 9RP