LANGHOLM Day Centre’s transformation into a modern, fit-for-purpose building was celebrated with an official opening last Sunday.
The centre has undergone a major extension and upgrade and will be much better able to cater for its members and visitors.
Members and guests were welcomed to the centre by its chairman John Hammond who introduced Mary Buckley of Westerhall.
Mrs Buckley performed the opening as the representative of the Cayzer Trust which contributed to the works which cost £150,000.
Mr Hammond said: “We’ve brought the kitchen into the 21st century. Thank you all for your support.
Generous
“We had to raise all the money ourselves and so many of you have been generous.
“More than 150 older people are registered as members and we’re here for the whole of Eskdale, not only Langholm.
“We get 30 to 50 people on an average day and up to 100 on high days and holidays.”
Mrs Buckley thanked the centre for inviting her to perform the opening.
She said: “I feel very honoured to be here today in this amazing and wonderful centre.
“I know it was a huge project and so many people have given so much of their time and expertise on a voluntary basis.
“I’d like to thank John and his team who have given so much time to the place.”
Therapy
Sandra Graham, manager, was proud to show off the therapy room, complete with a therapy bed.
She said: “It will fill a need in Langholm. At the moment, some people have to travel to Annan for treatment. We’ll source some funding for it so it’s not too expensive and see how the demand goes.
“I’d also like to get a chiropodist in and maybe do some Bowen therapy. It’s about keeping the members as fit as possible.”
The centre already runs activities for members and one of these is Tai Chi, run by Graham and Angela Barrie.
Graham said: “We’ve done seated Tai Chi here since 2004 and the classes run weekly now. We get about 16 people every week so it’s very successful. We’ve seen changes in people and watched them getting stronger.”