The day service, headed by former deputy mayor John Zarczynski and current deputy mayor Jackie Wadsworth, was explored by visitors on Monday, August 10.

Honiton 55+ Centre has opened its doors for the first time - and organisers are confident it will be a ‘tremendous success’.

The day service, headed by former deputy mayor John Zarczynski and current deputy mayor Jackie Wadsworth, was explored by visitors on Monday, August 10.

Housed at St Michael’s Centre in Orchard Way, the centre will offer a lunch club and hairdressing facilities, coffee mornings and chiropodist.

Mr Zarczynski said: “Everything went really well and we are very pleased.”

The open day all saw more volunteers step forward to join the centre, but Mr Zarczynski said he was under no illusion about the challenge ahead.

He added: “The first month or so is going to be difficult. But we are looking forward to a successful future.

“Obviously, we are gong to have to do fundraising to keep it up, as it is basically supported by fundraising, donations and grants. But we feel confident that the centre will be tremendous success.”

Mrs Wadsworth said: “We are up and running and we have just had a computer system installed.

“We will, in the near future, be decorating internal rooms, such as the toilets and the hairdresser’s. Then, when it’s needed, a coat of paint will go on other rooms.”

Mrs Wadsworth has thanked Honiton Chamber of Commerce chairman Colin Wright, Alan Bright Sawmills, Blamphayne Sawmills, Jackson Plants, Honiton Town Council and other shops and people who have helped.

The centre is gearing up for its first official opening day on Saturday, September 12, starting at 10am. There will be a selection of activities on offer, including a prize raffle, produce stalls and dancing.

For more about the 55+ Centre, call manager Jean Richardson on 01404 43545.

Honiton 55+ Centre has opened its doors for the first time - and organisers are confident it will be a ‘tremendous success’.

The day service, headed by former deputy mayor John Zarczynski and current deputy mayor Jackie Wadsworth, was explored by visitors on Monday, August 10.

Housed at St Michael’s Centre in Orchard Way, the centre will offer a lunch club and hairdressing facilities, coffee mornings and chiropodist.

Mr Zarczynski said: “Everything went really well and we are very pleased.”

The open day all saw more volunteers step forward to join the centre, but Mr Zarczynski said he was under no illusion about the challenge ahead.

He added: “The first month or so is going to be difficult. But we are looking forward to a successful future.

“Obviously, we are gong to have to do fundraising to keep it up, as it is basically supported by fundraising, donations and grants. But we feel confident that the centre will be tremendous success.”

Mrs Wadsworth said: “We are up and running and we have just had a computer system installed.

“We will, in the near future, be decorating internal rooms, such as the toilets and the hairdresser’s. Then, when it’s needed, a coat of paint will go on other rooms.”

Mrs Wadsworth has thanked Honiton Chamber of Commerce chairman Colin Wright, Alan Bright Sawmills, Blamphayne Sawmills, Jackson Plants, Honiton Town Council and other shops and people who have helped.

The centre is gearing up for its first official opening day on Saturday, September 12, starting at 10am. There will be a selection of activities on offer, including a prize raffle, produce stalls and dancing.

For more about the 55+ Centre, call manager Jean Richardson on 01404 43545.