Rotherham charity celebrates 40th birthday

A JOINT celebration was in store for one charity who toasted its 40th birthday in newly refurbished surroundings.

Members of the Addison Day Centre's Parents and Friends Charity Group held a party at the re-vamped Maltby facility to mark its official unveiling.

The group, which celebrated 40 years of fund-raising for the centre, was joined by Rother Valley MP Kevin Barron who cut the ribbon to mark the double milestone, last Thursday.

Julie Carratt, assistant manager at the centre, said: "We all want to say a big heart felt thank you to all the parents and friends, old and new, who have supported us over the last 40 years.

"They have made a huge difference to what we have been able to provide and, over the years, as the centre has expanded so has their contribution to our lives here.

"We really can't thank them enough."

The fund-raising group, which meets once a month at the day centre, originally started as a social club, organising activities including bingo sessions to fund a Christmas party.

Over the years the registered charity has raised money to benefit the centre with items including a mini bus, sensory equipment, specialist chairs, kitchen and garden equipment.

The group has also paid for trips to Christmas shows and shared the funding costs to refurbish a social room at the centre.

The group was delighted to host their party at the same time as the unveiling of the refurbishment programme which has been funded by Rotherham Borough Council.

New flooring, ceilings, lighting and windows have been fitted throughout the centre and part of the main building has been modernised to create an internal corridor and new toilets.

The centre has also gained a function room for multi-media work and client activities and a new dining room with attached kitchenette which can be used for training sessions and meetings.