The Denningberg Centre, a valued community hub in Godalming, founded by former Waverley Borough and Godalming Town Mayor Harold Denningberg, held a party last month for volunteers past and present, staff and trustees to mark the closing of its doors on 28 March 2024.
The Centre, which occupies space adjoined to the council offices at The Burys, was opened in September 1974 by Mr Denningberg primarily as a centre for those over 60 who might need social interaction or access to support.
It has provided a welcoming place for many of Godalming's senior residents, but the charity Godalming Old People’s Welfare Association who have been running the Centre, had to make the difficult decision to close. Waverley Borough Council is working with them to support clients and offer alternative facilities. These include:
- Farncombe Day Centre who are happy to welcome any new clients in the local area.
- The Godalming Community Cupboard, that was hosted by the Denningberg Centre, will relocate to the Cellar Camino Café (from 25 March).
- The private chiropodists who run services from the building will remain.
- Those who used the hearing aid battery replacement service will be able to go to Farncombe Day Centre or the Cellar Camino Café instead. People can also go to the hearing aid clinics for routine maintenance and battery replacement at Godalming Library, Busbridge Old Rectory and Hambledon Church. Hearing Aid Clinics — Godalming Minster
Jane Rodwell, The Denningberg Chair of Trustees, said: “Recently the Trustees had to make a very difficult decision to close the centre after 50 years of serving Godalming and surrounding villages. The Trustees, staff and volunteers would like to thank our customers who have bought fun and laughter to the centre, we will miss you all. We would also like to thank Waverley Borough Council for their help in the smooth transition of closing the centre and are grateful that the Chiropody Service and current hirers will continue to be able to use the space. We are pleased that the Denningberg name will continue with the decision to call the centre The Denningberg Rooms.”
Sam Hutchison, Executive Head of Community Services at Waverley Borough Council, said: “We recognise that the closure of the Centre will have a big impact on those who have used it regularly, some for many years, as a welcoming space to spend time with others. We are doing what we can to support the charity, who have done such a tremendous job over the years in Godalming, this includes connecting clients with suitable alternatives where possible so that they can continue to enjoy the services and care that they received at the Centre.”
Those who might want to hire space within the building can visit the Borough Hall webpage at Waverley Borough Council - Borough Hall Godalming or contact the team on 01483 523129.
Borough Hall Manager, David Copping, added: “We are very happy to be taking over the management of the centre, and look forward to utilising the space. I’m pleased to say that all the current users that hire the venue are invited to stay, and we look forward to welcoming new users to the newly named Denningberg Rooms. It’s a wonderful space and I hope we can keep the memory of the Denningberg legacy alive by keeping the doors open to all who are seeking a venue to hire within their community.”