A community centre in Teignmouth celebrated a remarkable turnaround in its finances as it marked the legacy of its founder on Saturday (July 12).

Less than a year ago, the Alice Cross Centre in Teignmouth warned it may face closure due to rising costs and a reduction in grant funding available.

However, at its open day, the centre revealed that finances are now a lot healthier, thanks to a generous legacy and the support of its members, volunteers, trustees, staff and fundraisers.

Efforts included raising £7,000 for a new fire alarm system, which was officially opened by Teignmouth mayor councillor Cate Williams.

The open day included demonstrations from many of the groups that run at the Alice Cross centre and a look back at the history of the centre, which was established by Alice Cross BEM to enable older people to socialise and enjoy a meal.

A long lost BBC2 film about the Alice Cross Centre, that was aired in 1972, revealed that the Alice Cross centre of today has remained true to its founder’s ethos while remaining relevant in today’s world.

‘Loneliness is still rampant,’ commented Alice Cross Centre general manager Peta Howell. ‘But we will continue Alice Cross’s legacy one meal, one smile and one act of kindness at a time,’ she added.

MP Martin Wrigley told those attending the open day that he was ‘delighted’ that the Alice Cross Centre had got through the financial crisis, and he described the turnaround as ‘a real example of the dedication and absolute passion’ shown by everyone involved with the centre.

However, Peta warned that while the community centre has bounced back from financial disaster, the organisation still faces funding challenges.

‘We are completely reliant on fundraising and grants. We are not out of the water yet. We have done an amazing job but we need to keep going,’ she added.