I can assure Mrs Pavely (Letters January 12) that she is not alone in expressing concern for the progress of Okehampton, or in our need for a new centre. Others who disagree with the makeover for the market hall are also concerned at the number of older people?s colonies now proposed for the town. At Age Concern we recognise the need for older people in this area to have a centre that serves their needs and promotes their interests. The numbers of contacts for help we receive now average six a day and our computer support and training have both grown in the last year. A new centre seems a bit like a receding pipe-dream at present. The district hospital would do nicely and could at least return an abandoned building to local people for whom it was given. Most fund givers are only interested in short term projects these days rather than helping to provide the place to run them or supporting organisations from day to day. Sadly, we also lost thousands of pounds of hard won donations successfully defending a formal complaint. We now need to urgently recruit some new trustees and more volunteers who can both help in providing vital information for enquirers and developing our work. I thank Mrs Pavely for her challenge regarding a new centre and can say that we are ready for it. It all depends on how many with determination and enthusiasm will rally to this cause. Barrie Duke Age Concern Okehampton and Torridge
