IT'S time for another brief look at the comprehensive collection of tales and photos from Age UK, which has just been published.

60 Years of Rowan Cottage by Wendy Hilton tells of the beginnings of the charity's Dorchester base at Rowan Cottage. This week we move on to looking at the first services offered at Rowan Cottage.

In 1971 members paid 85p for food and transport. The service provided in 1971 was very similar to that of the day centre in 2010 except that the price was slightly different.

A medic bath was also donated to the centre - a step-in bath with a sealed door so clients did not have to climb in or be hoisted into a bath.

Activities were planned for each day and varied from handicrafts to cards, from quizzes to knitting. There was a well stocked library provided by Dorset County Council and a garden to enjoy. In the garden clients could play clock golf and croquet on the two lawns.

Christmas was a big celebration and Christmas lunch was provided for 40 people each day for two days. Volunteers cooked and served turkey and all the trimmings. In 1982 the first Christmas dinner was held at the Corn Exchange so that everyone could sit down at the same time.

The volunteers did all the cooking, catering for 150 people for £1 per head.

*The booklet, 60 years of Rowan Cottage 1957 – 2017, is priced at £3.50 and is available from Age UK Dorchester, Rowan Cottage, 4 Prince of Wales Road or from the three Age UK Dorchester shops in Dorchester, Weymouth and Bridport.