VOLUNTEERS from Tavistock Area Support Services have been praised for their tireless efforts in helping refurbish and redecorate the charity's Anchorage Centre, next to the town's bus station.

The centre was closed for activities on Monday, December 22 for essential building work and will be reopened to clients on Monday, January 19.

TASS is an organisation within the town which works in support of anyone over the age of 55 — but with special emphasis on the more elderly and frail members of the community.

The building work has been carried out by AC Worth, Lewdown, treating and making good damp at the back of the main hall, a core of volunteers painting the building, from top to bottom, with paint donated by Focus, Tavistock, Trago Mills and Proper Job Chagford, with kitchen furniture supplied at a cost by Howden Timber, Launceston.

Andy Lyle, TASS's General Manager, expressed how grateful he was to the businesses who have donated but said without the dedication from volunteers the rejuvenating of the centre would 'never have happened'.

'Without them we couldn't do any of this and the hundreds of people who use TASS wouldn't be able to benefit from the many services we offer here at TASS.

'We haven't redecorated in ten years and we were in-need of updating the furnishings. We had the opportunity of purchasing new furnishings through grants received from trusts. Existing furniture will be used to furnish a smaller meeting room upstairs, making the facility more versatile.'

Services offered by TASS will be back in full swing after the Anchorage Centre is reopened on Monday, January 19 at 10.30am.

The diary for 2009 will see the many favourites of TASS' clients, including tea dances, table tennis, music and movement etc. as well as other charities making use of this valuable resource (a full list of activities is available from The Anchorage Centre).

Angela Rippon Patron of TASS said: 'TASS really does live up to its name. It's there for people in the Tavistock area. It provides invaluable support to individuals and their families, and the service is first class. 

'We're really lucky to have such a terrific group of professionals and volunteers working in the community.'

One volunteer from TASS is making her voice known in order to help put the charity on the map.

Niki Brereton has been volunteering for TASS for many years, along with her husband Bob.

Niki said she wants to help highlight the valuable work volunteers do at TASS, especially through the role of driving whether through driving minibuses or the Volunteer Car Services.

She said: 'TASS is very much in need of more drivers to cover hospital car work, taking patients to and from Derriford, the Royal Eye Infirmary, Tavistock Hospital, plus driving mini buses on day trips far and wide around our beautiful area.

'We drive people who find it very difficult, if not impossible, to get out and about and I derive a tremendous amount of satisfaction from the fact that I have been in a position to bring a smile to their faces and to give them some memories upon which to reflect.

'I have been driving for TASS for a number of years now, both mini buses and hospital car work, and would like to encourage more people to give some of their time and expertise to enable the more vulnerable members of West Devon to get out and about.

'Believe me you will feel very good once you get involved. It is not an all male role, so come on ladies join this wonderful team, you won't regret it and you really can make a difference for elderly folk and have a good time yourself whilst doing so.'

 

To find out how YOU could help make a difference to others, contact Andy at The Anchorage Centre 01822 616958.