Christmas Meeting, 6.15 for 6.30pm

The Open Door Centre’s mission is to make a positive difference to the lives of adults with learning disabilities and help them become confident and respected members of society.  By giving them a better understanding of their rights and choices it helps them to lead a more independent life. The Centre enables them to achieve their highest potential by providing a range of activities in a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment.  

The activities are suggested by the Centre’s members themselves.  A varied programme has built up, including reading improvement, Wii Fit, money recognition, walking groups, arts and crafts, Boccia, singing, table tennis, bingo, sewing, cinema trips, computer groups, kickboxing, trips and holidays.

Living up to its name Open Door is open daily in St Barnabus Church Hall, Gorse Hill, for its 100 or so members.  On any given day about 30 will come along and the members are involved in every level of decision making about the running of the Centre.

Our Club’s Vice President, Robin Elliot, presented a cheque for £500 to Susan Pearson, the Office Administrator at the Centre.  The funds were raised at a Rock and Roll Bingo Evening held earlier in the year.  

To conclude the meeting the Open Door Choir entertained us for some 30 minutes or so.  The choir was conducted by their singing teacher, Eva Gilbert, and accompaniment on the piano was provided by Sheila Harrod of Kentwood Choir fame.  Sheila is patron of Open Door and a member of the Rotary Club of Swindon. Our very own Vice President Kathy Hobson was persuaded to join the choir for a couple of the songs.

Open Door Centre website