Senior Centre opens in a blaze of glory
The official opening of the Senior Centre in Castlemilk took place last week.
The opening was performed by the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Sadie Docherty, and it was a huge success with over 120 people attending, including members, staff, volunteers and invited guests from Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Housing Association and various other organisations involved in the development of the new premises at 61 Dougrie Drive.
The Senior Centre was previously known as Castlemilk Pensioners Action Centre and was originally based at 59 Dougrie Drive, in an old disused council works office. It was set up and developed by a small group of local elderly ladies who recognised there was a need for a meeting place for like-minded members of the community to get together and develop activities for the elderly of Castlemilk.
This all happened 28 years ago in 1986.
The centre became a registered charity and gradually developed and extended its activities until it became apparent that the building was no longer fit for purpose and due to the increase in membership and activities planned, the centre required urgent relocation.
The Senior Centre secured a 25 year lease on the former housing benefit and council tax office, and with financial support received from Glasgow City Council and GHA, were able to renovate the building to become an outstanding facility suitable to the needs of the elderly community within Castlemilk and the surrounding areas.
Now, the group are delighted to have a top quality building, and an amazing group of people led by manager Melanie O’Donnell.
The centre is a vibrant community development focussing on the physical and mental well-being of older people with an emphasis on somewhere to go, something to do and someone to do it with.
They now have over 400 members and are supported by 10 members of staff, eight of whom are Castlemilk residents, and 32 volunteers, most of them members of the centre.
People attend to relax, meet friends, make friends, learn things, and have fun. Most socialise within the subsidised cafe, which serves over 100 lunches a day.
Within the centre are rooms specifically designed for art and crafts, IT, dance, games including pool, cards, and dominoes, bingo, a cinema and relaxing (with a TV and library).
There are regular parties with in-house entertainment, sing-alongs, raffles and dancing.
Information sessions are run by the police and fire services alongside many presentations about health, finance, safety and mobility.
The Senior Centre also provide a wide range of excursions to places such as Aberfoyle, Dunoon, the Waverley paddle steamer, Falkirk Wheel and various trips to Largs, Millport, Ayr, Troon and Edinburgh.
This year they have increased their holiday deals and will be taking members to Blackpool, Liverpool and Ireland.
To provide all of these activities, management within the centre need to continually fundraise and seek resources from many benefactors.
Speaking after the opening, manager Melanie O’Donnell said: “It was a wonderful occasion which enabled us to welcome so many people into our new premises and have it officially opened by Lord Provost Sadie Docherty.
“It has taken me almost six years to complete this project which I hope to be involved in for many more years to come. The full team including staff, volunteers and board work tirelessly to make the Senior Centre an enjoyable, exciting, welcoming place for all elderly members of the local community to socialise and relax within.
“We are all very much looking forward to the future and the opportunities this amazing facility will provide.”
Any residents looking for more information should email experience@ theseniorcentre. co.uk or call the Senior Centre on 0141 634 3834.