A centre for older people and those with disabilities in Dereham and surrounding district where they can meet together and enjoy a lunch is set to be given a new injection of life following the appointment of a new management team.

A centre for older people and those with disabilities in Dereham and surrounding district where they can meet together and enjoy a lunch is set to be given a new injection of life following the appointment of a new management team.

Shonette Mooney, and her assistant Maria David, are aiming to see the Dereham Meeting Point developed and to make it better known to a wider public.

It has been established in the town for more than two decades and recent years have seen it move to different premises. When its future was under threat, there was a big public response from people wanting it to remain open.

Its current home, where it is hoped it will remain for the long-term, is the old Breckland District Council committee rooms off St Withburga Lane.

'We are planning to stage a relaunch of the Meeting Point in the new year and our aim is to bring it back to its former glory,' said Ms Mooney.

She added: 'We feel we have a good team on board and are able to draw upon a dedicated team of volunteers but we want to make the place much more widely known because we feel there are people out there, who for a variety of reasons, could benefit from the warm, companionable and safe environment that it offers.'

It members are able to enjoy a two-course hot lunch and a programme of activities is organised.

The operation of the Meeting Point is overseen by a board of trustees who are keen for the venue to become more widely known and used.

Lunch costs �4 and an outside trip will visit Hunstanton on December 9 to see the pantomime and it will include a fish and chip lunch.

One of the latest classes introduced is Tai Chi led by Andy Groom. Mr Groom says that the weekly class is proving particularly popular and it is particularly well-suited to older people because they can follow his exercise tuition sitting in a chair.

'I make the classes light-hearted so that everyone taking part can have a giggle while getting some exercise at the same time,' said Mr Groom.

Ms Mooney said there is a capacity at the Meeting Point for 60 people and currently there are up to 15 people using its services.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Meeting Point or who would like more information can contact Ms Mooney or her assistant on 01362 698866.