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WEATHERMAN OPENS NEW CAFE
FORMER Eastbourne resident and patron of Age Concern Michael Fish MBE attended the William and Patricia Venton Centre on Friday to officially open its cafe.
Alterations have recently been made to the ground floor of the building to increase the size of the cafe — known as Pat's Pantry — to cater for more people and to improve the range and quality of food served there.
Mr Fish — who is Britain's longest-serving TV weather forecaster — was joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Eastbourne, MP Nigel Waterson and leader of the council Ian Lucas.
Richard Drinkall, chief executive of Age Concern, said, 'We had two eating places, a cafe here at the front and a restaurant. It soon became evident that the older people preferred to eat in the pantry at the front of the building.'
Mr Drinkall explained that the decision to expand had proved popular and that the restaurant was still being used as a venue for an art group and other activities.
Mr Fish then addressed the crowd and spoke of his time in Eastbourne and said, 'It's a wonderful facility you have here and long may it continue.'
He then unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.
Mr Fish, who is patron of several charities, added, 'They asked me to be patron after the Duke of Devonshire died and I was very pleased to take over.'
Mayor Graham Marsden said, 'I'm here to celebrate Age Concern, it's a valuable asset for the elderly residents of Eastbourne.
'I think Age Concern is a vital part of the local community.'
After the speeches, coffee was served to guests before a tour of the centre took place, followed by a buffet lunch and drinks.
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Weather for Eastbourne
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -6 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
