Littlehampton’s Tamarisk Centre celebrates a milestone

The Tamarisk Centre, in Beach Road, was full of joy as members from the site indulged in an afternoon of fun to celebrate the momentous milestone.

Lady Tessa Balfour, patron of the Friends of the Tamarisk group, was the guest of honour during the revelry.

She gave a brief speech in which she praised the “extraordinary dedication” of the popular day centre’s band of volunteers and staff.

She also spoke of how it played a key role in the community, helping to give the area’s elderly residents an abundance of activities and things to keep them busy and on their toes.

Sue Rixon, manager of the site, said: “Lady Balfour was completely charming and was absolutely delightful.

“It’s nice to invite her along to some of our functions every so often. It makes them very special.

“But we’re tremendously proud of what we have achieved at the Tamarisk – 25 years is just incredible.”

The Beach Road facility’s in-house band, the Music Makers, also took to the stage to provide entertainment during the festivities.

Yet despite this month’s anniversary, memories of some of the centre’s more difficult moments still remained as fresh as ever.

Support

In May, this year, concerns had been raised about the future of the much-loved site, as Arun District Council considered withdrawing some funding support in a bid to save almost £2m from its books.

Littlehampton-based charity Age UK West Sussex took over running of the site from Arun in 2006, in a 10-year deal reducing the council’s subsidy by £10,000 each year.

Hundreds of people signed, and handed over a petition to the Civic Centre, in Maltravers Road, urging the council to keep the centre open.

Discussions by Arun councillors over the future of the site raised the question of whether a mobile service for older people could be run alongside it, or instead of it.

However this was something that the campaigners argued wouldn’t work, considering the number of activities provided on a daily basis at the site.

“We’ve had our ups and downs,” admitted Sue.“But the same can be said for every business and facility.

“The economy has been tough and we have had to adapt to the way we do things to help sustain us.

“But I certainly see a future for the Tamarisk because we provide an essential serviceto some of the area’s elderly and most vulnerable residents.

“We help combat against isolation and loneliness. We’re also providing more activities than ever before.”

The 360 registered members can chose from arts and crafts, Zumba, ballroom, tap and old time dancing, computer lessons, carpet bowls, computer lessons and even massages. There is also a café and hairdressing facilities.