A WADEBRIDGE based charity is delighted to announce a local businessman and community stalwart as its new patron.
David Bray, of R J Bray & Son Funeral Directors, has accepted the role for Concern Wadebridge at The John Betjeman Centre.
The charity was originally started to support people aged 50 and over but in the past two years has extended its services to provide support groups and activities to anyone over 18. It also has a café which is open to everyone and has become a Warm Bank and a proactive Community Hub.
The centre hosts a variety of support groups from Cancer Café, mental health, groups to make friends over a cuppa or art classes. It has activities from chair-based exercises to yoga and later in the year hopes to launch a pain clinic.
It also houses Wadebridge Shopmobility Centre hiring wheelchairs and mobility scooters to help people keep their independence by enjoy shopping, going along the Camel Trail or exploring the area whilst on holiday.
David, who is a keen fundraiser and has raised thousands of pounds for many local charities, has a long family connection with the Betjeman Centre.
David said: “Having been born and brought up in Wadebridge, the buildings of the old railway station been an ever present in my life. I can remember growing up in the 1970’s, the empty, derelict buildings were an ‘unofficial playground’ for my friends and I.
“My father, at the time, was on the committee of what was then, if I remember correctly, called Wadebridge Concern for the Aged, headed by Dr Gordon Kinsman-Barker, and was heavily involved with raising the funds needed to convert the building into the John Betjeman Centre.
“When I was asked to become their patron, I didn’t hesitate, as I felt, with all of the hard work my father had put in years ago, it just seemed such a natural progression.
“From the outside I have seen how the centre has developed massively over the years. I am proud to have been asked to be their patron and hope that I can play my part to help it to thrive in the future.”
Concern Wadebridge manager Emma Burt said: “It’s fantastic to have such a well-known local community stalwart supporting our charity. I am sure we will get lots of comments about the local funeral director supporting our charity, but it will be worth every giggle.
“David is so passionate about Wadebridge and what better than having him as the patron for our charity and community hub? We are really proud of what we have achieved, especially in the past two years, we are now a fully inclusive safe space for everyone in Wadebridge, the local area and of course holidaymakers. Having David on board is the icing on the cake!”
Elliot Osborne, Chairman of the charity added: “We feel honoured and privileged to have david come on board as patron. He is very well known, liked and respected, not only in Wadebridge but throughout the wider community, and I hope the collaboration will be long lasting.”
