Church Stretton community centre prepares for royal visitor

Mayfair Community Centre in Church Stretton, which celebrates its 21st birthday this week, will be visited by Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, the Queen’s cousin, when she visits the county in July.

Mayfair is "run by the community for the community". With the support of over 300 volunteers, giving over 700 hours a week, it provides a wide range of support and activities for local people.

Richard Elliott, chair of trustees said: “This really is an exciting visit for us. We are pleased to be able to ‘show off’ Mayfair and delighted that our volunteers, centre users and staff will have the opportunity to meet Princess Alexandra. It is going to be such a wonderful experience.”

Mayfair has a crèche, an IT Suite which is open to anyone for drop-in sessions each Monday and Wednesday, there is a busy Ring & Ride service offering door-to-door transport for people unable to get out and about, a ‘charity’ shop selling handmade crafts and recycled cards as well as items donated.

There is a community café, various art and craft groups, exercises available from chair yoga, tai chi and Extend to the more energetic zumba. Walking for Health groups run from Mayfair too; walks start from half an hour on the flat to two hours over the hills enabling all to join in.

There is also a lively daycare centre, day opportunities for adults with learning disabilities, a hot meal delivery service runs 365 days for people unable to cook for themselves.

Mayfair also runs ‘MAYSI’ and ‘CoCo’. The ‘MAYSI’ project enables people to retain their independence by providing timely information and support. CoCo is a team of trained volunteers who offer one-to-one support for people in their own homes. The volunteers can help in a variety of ways by offering on-going friendship and support as well as enabling people to get out and about and pursue interests.

Nicola McPherson, chief officer said “We are all so pleased and will be so proud to show Her Royal Highness our facilities but more importantly our volunteers and community. Mayfair is somewhere we welcome everyone and offer support, help and advice to anyone who walks through the doors at any time of the day”.

Nicola continued “we are now planning the visit, meticulously, so we can effectively demonstrate to the princess exactly what we do here in Church Stretton”.