Bracknell

Christmas is certainly the time for cheer at Downside Resource Centre, one of Bracknell Forest Borough Council's day centres.

The Bracknell Council owned day centre for older people and those with a physical disability is getting in the spirit of Christmas by hosting a Dick Whittington pantomime next week (Tuesday December 6).

The Rah Rah Theatre Group will perform the play for over 55 people who attend Downside, Bracknell.

The Rah Rah theatre company is a popular entertainment choice among the clients following performances at the VE Day celebrations earlier in the year.

The staff team and Client Committee of Downside, Bracknell who organise events and work closely with the management, helped set up the performance. The Staff Team has also arranged a special Christmas lunch for after the show, including turkey and all the trimmings.

That's not all for the Christmas season at Downside, Bracknell. There will also be:

* An in-house play by clients followed by a French bistro lunch. (Tuesday December 13);
* Downside's special Christmas lunch out where all clients are invited to lunch at the Blue Mountain complex. There will also be raffle prizes. (Thursday December 15);
* In-house bingo for clients. (Friday December 16 and Wednesday December 14);
* A bowling day out with prizes to be won by clients. (Thursday December 22)

Bracknell Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, Health Commissioning and Housing, said: "It's great that service users at our centres have a lot on over the Christmas period and they are having a lot of fun taking part in plays, day trips and making arrangements to do the activities they want. The staff team and Client Committee choose events that appeal to different tastes and run events throughout the year.

"Staff put in a lot of effort to make the most of the seasonal cheer so these events should be rewarding and lots of fun for them too and I thank them for their contribution."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council ~ 1 December 2005