AFTER nearly three months of uncertainty the Oughtrington Luncheon Club opened its doors again today much to the relief of those attending and the dedicated team of volunteers.
There was much rejoicing including a belated “Happy Birthday” sing-a-long for 101-year-old Gladys Taylor, a regular member of the club, while volunteer Lorraine Wright and her husband Dave celebrated their Golden wedding with friends.
It provided a happy ending following a fall-out between Trustees and Volunteers that resulted in the locks being changed on the building last January after nearly four decades of providing hot meals for elderly, vulnerable and isolated people.
As a result, the Luncheon Club, formed by local resident Joyce Penlington more than 38 years ago had to close.
But following much campaigning and intervention by Lymm Parish Council, the club has finally re-opened.
Now a Future Vision and AGM for Oughtrington Community Centre has been set for May 10th at 7pm. All are welcome and membership will be open on the night. At the meeting, all current Trustees will be stepping down and a new Board of Trustees will be voted in. Further discussions about the Memorandum and Articles of Association will take continue once the new Board of Trustees is in place.
The Trustees are now asking for members and residents to consider stepping forward and supporting the Community Centre to move forward to its next chapter. Skills required to do this include finance, fundraising, law (especially charity law), IT, marketing and social media, health and safety, safeguarding, volunteer management, business planning and building and capital projects.
After a particularly difficult period, the Trustees are pleased to be looking to the future and are working with Warrington Voluntary Action in order to make the next steps for Oughtrington Community Centre as smooth, comprehensive and inclusive as possible.
For further information, please contact Lymm Parish Council nominated Trustee, Kerry Duffin, on 07741 877870 or [email protected]
Luncheon Club members and volunteers
Fantastic to see the Oughtrington Luncheon Club back open after a difficult 11 weeks of uncertainty- well done to all those who campaigned to see it re-open and a big thank you to the amazing volunteers who support those in need in the local community ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/BFwKqe3WXN
— Lymm Life (@LymmLife) April 27, 2023
Trustees vote to re-open Oughtrington Luncheon club as soon as possible!
