Buckingham’s new opportunities centre is officially opened

Dozens of people from across Buckingham joined representatives from the County Council and Buckinghamshire Care to officially open the town’s new opportunities centre Friday 10 April.

The newly-refurbished Buckingham Opportunities Centre – built on the former Buckingham Board School site – reopened to clients last October, but last week, groups from across the town and beyond visited the centre as it was officially opened.

Around 50 visitors spent the morning at the centre – situated on Well Street – which offers modern, state-of-the-art facilities to its users.

The centre primarily supports older adults – including those with dementia – as well as those with learning disabilities and autism.

In addition, several community groups use its spacious activity rooms to run sessions for its own members.

Councillor Patricia Birchley, Buckinghamshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “With Aylesbury Opportunities Centre opening last year, this is the second centre as part of our day opportunities programme, which is providing newly-built or refurbished centres across Buckinghamshire, so that older people and adults with learning disabilities and autism can enjoy a wonderful environment, offering inspiring opportunities that can really make a difference to their daily lives.

“Our authority-owned trading company – Buckinghamshire Care – run the new centres and the high level of commitment of their management and staff will ensure that the centres fulfil their true potential.”

Martin Farrow – Buckinghamshire Care’s Managing Director – added: “Since we opened the doors in Buckingham back in October, we have welcomed many people who have made new friends, enjoyed the company of others and – importantly – raised a smile or two with us.”

Paul Woodward, Chairman of Buckinghamshire Care, also said: “The centre provides dozens of local people with a meaningful day, all underpinned by a true belief that everything we do at Buckinghamshire Care has a positive impact on the people we support.”

Helping to celebrate the occasion with an exciting dance routine was the Juliet Ratnage School of Performing Arts, who had a long previous connection with the centre before its refurbishment.

The group has since returned and now hold their classes in one of the newly-refurbished spaces that are available for hire at Buckingham Opportunities Centre.