A MEETING place which offers “a saving grace” to older people in Weymouth has been saved and is undergoing a £25,000 revamp.
The new Pilgrim House Trust is being launched at an open day at the former Age Concern base in Hope Square after the Rotary Club of Weymouth saved the building from closure.
The Rotary club has ploughed in money for its refurbishment as it looks to entice more visitors and helpers.
The club has put forward £15,000 with another £10,000 worth of materials and work provided by volunteers and helpers as the new Pilgrim Pass membership cards are also launched to provide discounts at various businesses.
Member Gwen Reynolds, 85, said Pilgrim House is being ‘rejuvenated’ by the Rotary club.
“It means an awful lot because this place is necessary for all of us here.
Mrs Reynolds, of Great George Street, added: “We’re here for each other and anybody else who comes.
“We thought we weren’t going to have a club and that was horrible.”
The members have been welcoming the new paintwork, curtains, stage and carpets alongside a new bar and toilet facilities.
They enjoy lunch clubs and financial advice at the centre in Hope Square and when possible enjoy cheap travel to and from Pilgrim House.
Phyllis Watson, 79, said Pilgrim House is ‘a saving grace’ for people who want to get out and spend time with friends.
She said: “It’s such a decent place to come to.
“You feel at home and that’s what you want.
“They make you feel comfortable here.”
Volunteer Carole Knibbs, of Newberry Road, Weymouth, has found helping out can save her from being lonely after being widowed.
She said: “I can find it really lonesome sometimes so I come down and enjoy everyone’s company.”
The open day is being held today, from 10am until 4pm.
Dennis Corbett, chairman of the trustees, said new members tell him they spent time being lonely at home before building up the courage to come.
He wants to reach out to more people to get involved.
“People are sat at home having to make do on a small income and being lonely,” he said.
“And we are offering the opportunity for people to come at least twice a week.”
Mr Corbett emphasised the money used has come from club events and not the pot of cash raised for good causes.
The new £5 Pilgrim Pass membership cards will gain discounts at eateries, shops and other businesses who have joined the scheme.
Mr Corbett thanked fellow trustee Mike Parker for his hours of ‘energetic’ work getting the club ready and also Weyline Taxis for support provided when they have been short of drivers bringing members to Pilgrim House.
And he also thanked Agincare for providing 80 chairs as part of the revamp alongside other contributors.
Work starts on refurbishment
Pilgrim House in Hope Square was about to go to auction earlier this summer as the much loved Age Concern Weymouth and Portland hit financial trouble.
The Rotary Club of Weymouth had handed the building to the charity and when they saw it in trouble they bailed it out with an initial £5,000 injection and took over control before changing it from Age Concern to the newly formed Pilgrim House Trust.
Workers from the Job Centre have been among those helping with the refurbishment ahead of the open day.
The work includes redecoration, a new bar, toilets and office space upstairs.
One office is being hired to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) charity and three garages on the ground floor are providing rental income to the trust.
SSAFA will also be available at the open day being held on Saturday, October 8, from 10am to 4pm.
For more information about the Pilgrim House Trust call 01305 761828.
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