News

28th March 2012

Grocontinental throws lifeline to Age UK office in Whitchurch

Grocontinental has donated £6,000 to Age UK to help secure the future of a drop-in facility for older people in the town which has been under threat of closure.

The facility has been open in the town for over 25 years and provides a base for older people to call in for information and face-to-face advice, as well as telephone contact.

Due to withdrawal of funding following cuts made by Shropshire Council to Age UK’s services, the local community has rallied to save the facility. Funds contributed by local people, businesses, North Shropshire Supporters and a £3,000 donation from Whitchurch Town Council have meant the charity is on the way to securing funding for the next few years.

Grocontinental’s donation will be phased over a three-year period.

Speaking at Age UK’s office in St Mary’s Street Whitchurch, when he handed over the donation to Age UK’s Deputy Chief Executive Hilary Knight and President John Greenhalgh, Grocontinental Chairman Ray Grocott said:

‘It would have been a travesty for the town to have lost the fabulous service that Age UK provides to older people in our community.

‘It’s great that the Whitchurch community is working so hard to raise money to keep the drop-in centre open. It is a real indication of how highly regarded the service is and we are thrilled to be playing our part.’

Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin said:

‘We are so pleased that we are on the way to securing the future of our services in Whitchurch. Numbers of people using our service in Whitchurch are rising – 500 people rang or called in the last quarter of 2011 – and we know it is a service that is much valued by older people in the town. We are very grateful to Grocontinental and all the other people who have supported our work in Whitchurch’.

Photo: Ray Grocott (left) and Linda Grocott (right) pictured with Age UK staff members, and centre visitor and Grocott family member, Ivor Rees (second right)