MILFORD TV star actress Penelope Keith took centre stage in her role as president of The Clockhouse to receive a welcome donation.

The Clockhouse Milford and Villages Day Centre was presented with a cheque from the Castle Keep Grand Lodge in London by lodge master Barrie Lloyd and Ross Clark, charity steward of Godalming Masonic Centre.

Clockhouse chairman of trustees Clive Webster said: “We were very pleased to receive the donation, which will go towards our day to day running costs.

“We are delighted to have Dame Penelope Keith as our president. She is an enormous support to us.”

The Milford and Villages Day Centre was founded in 1985 by a group of local professionals, who recognised a need for the provision of services for the increasing number of older people living locally.

Many residents were living alone, perhaps with mobility problems or being looked after by a family member or unpaid carer.

To meet the pressing need, a day centre was initially launched in temporary accommodation at the Milford Scout Hut HQ, opening on two days a week.

After 12 years of searching and fundraising, a dedicated group of volunteers, particularly Miss Hawkins who bequeathed her house, found a suitable site in Chapel Lane and the funds to finance it.

The Clockhouse opened in 1998 as a registered charity to provide a safe, sociable and stimulating environment to serve people in need living in nine villages by enabling them to get together and take advantage of the range of services on offer.

A full-time manager and part-time staff manage day-to day operations supported by a team of dedicated volunteers.

The Clockhouse enjoys a close relationship with EmployAbility, through whom it has one member of staff and it also works with young adults with learning difficulties through Surrey Heath Area Partnership for Education.

The centre is also involved with young people through the National Citizens Service and students from local schools visit.

It receives a grant from Waverley Borough Council but the vast majority of running costs have to be met by fundraising.