Sompting Seniors celebrate New Year boost

Bus trips and Sunday pub lunches will be on the menu this year for the members of Sompting Seniors after they received a £5,000 donation from the Thames Valley business.

Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, who are currently building out Phase 1 of the Malthouse Meadows development in West Sompting with Phase 2 due to commence shortly, donated the money through the Community Champions fund.

The five-star business has a proud history of supporting charities and groups that are working to create stronger communities, and offers grants totalling £24,000 in the Thames Valley area each year.

The cheque was presented at the club’s weekly exercise class at the Harriet Johnson Centre in the village by Laura Jackson, Head of Planning for Persimmon Homes Thames Valley.

She said: “We are proud to be part of the community here in Adur District and want to work with groups like this to create a positive legacy for Sompting.

“We have supported the local food bank previously and we are delighted that work is starting on our Community Orchard later this year, bringing further benefits to those living close to Malthouse Meadows.”

Simone Williams, Centre Manager at the Harriet Johnson Centre, said: “This club gives people something to look forward to, a chance to socialise and come together and we are delighted to have secured this grant on their behalf.

“We often hear that they struggle most with isolation on Sundays and this means we can take them on some more day trips and out for a roast dinner, providing accessible transport for the members.”

Cllrs Paul Mansfield, Chair of Sompting Parish Council and Adur District Council member for Peverel Ward, joined the presentation along with fellow ward member Cllr Saffa Jan. They said: “The group is run by volunteers and is highly valued in the community, thank you to Persimmon Homes for supporting Sompting Seniors and giving members the chance to enjoy many more outings this year.”