Woodlarks Centre Celebrates 75 Years with Expansion Plans

The Woodlarks Centre, a care home located near Farnham, recently marked its 75th anniversary since its founding in 1949. The celebration highlighted the centre’s commitment to providing imaginative and compassionate care for individuals with disabilities. The event featured lively music from Simply Swing, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for residents, staff, and visitors, who relished delicious food and drinks under pleasant weather.

The highlight of the festivities was the ceremonial cutting of a cake by Catherine Crawford, granddaughter of the founders, Dorothea and Colonel Martyn Strover. During the celebration, Cllr Adeel Shah of the East Hampshire District Council acknowledged the dedication of the Woodlarks staff and offered well wishes for the future. Additionally, Graham White, the deputy mayor of Farnham, expressed the support of the local council.

Exciting Future Developments Announced

While the event celebrated the rich history of Woodlarks, it also served as a platform for announcing significant future developments. Lynda Pattie, the chief executive of Woodlarks, along with Simon Tarrant, chairman of the trustees, revealed plans for a new wing following the receipt of planning permission. This expansion aims to enhance facilities, allowing for the care of a larger number of residents.

The new development will include a state-of-the-art physiotherapy suite, dining facilities, kitchens, additional lifts, meeting rooms, and an administrative suite. Local architects Stedman Blower have designed impressive plans that were showcased during the reception. The projected budget for this ambitious project is £6 million, with fundraising efforts already underway.

A spokesperson for Woodlarks emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating, “Woodlarks clearly has an impressive future, building on 75 years of devoted care.” As the centre moves forward, it is poised to continue its legacy of compassionate service while enhancing its capabilities to meet the needs of its residents.