AT a open day in the East Radnor Day Centre in Presteigne there was a chance to see what goes on at the centre and find out about all the activities they do. Day centre manager Beverley Baynham welcomed three of the four county councillors that cover the area that clients come to the centre from as well as centre trustees, local people and representatives from charities and organisations including a small group of people from the Presteigne area who have come together to help raise awareness around dementia and to provide support and information for individuals their families and carers.

The day centre started running over 20 years ago in the old school, Presteigne. It provides a friendly atmosphere for elderly and lonely people who meet once or twice or for some five days a week. At the centre clients can have a meal bath, get their hair done, have nail treatments and play games, bingo, take part in quizzes and discussions, do arm chair exercises and go on outings.

The main reason for visiting the centre is to socialise. The centre is open five days a week and caters for people from a large area including Presteigne, Knighton, Beguildy, Felindre and other villages in the Teme Valley, Llanbister Road, Llangunllo, Bleddfa, New and Old Radnor, Gladestry, Newchurch, Lyonshall, Kington and Lingen. Buses run every day to pick people up and take them to and from the centre. The centre is a voluntary organisation serving the community, it is a non profit making registered charity that relies on a lot of support every year from charitable donations.