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Campaigners march on the Look In
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Hands off our 'club' say Look In users

By Mike Pyle
February 18, 2010

Over-50s demonstrated their displeasure at a council decision to withdraw funding from the Look In café by marching through the town centre.

A piper led more than 100 people from the café in Broadway, from which Bracknell Forest Council is to cut funding, to the bandstand in Charles Square and then on to the council headquarters at Easthampstead House.

The group waved placards and held a petition with more than 2,000 names on it as they drew interest and applause from shoppers on Saturday morning.

Petition launched to save The Look In

During the stop at the bandstand several people including organiser Bill Heffill, Bracknell Forest Senior Citizens’ Forum chairman Terry Pearce, Labour councillor Mike Beadsley and Liberal Democrat prospective Parliamentary candidate Ray Earwicker gave speeches.

Terry said: “The Look In is not just a café, it’s more than a café. For a lot of people it’s a lifeline – particularly the old and lonely people and people who have suffered a bereavement.

“It’s more like a social club."

He added: “I’m so angry with the council – we hear so much about how they care for the older people, the over-50s but as soon as there are cuts to be made they make them among the older people who are on pensions and fixed incomes.

“The older people in this town contribute so much and always have done.”

Cllr Mike Beadsley added: “I’m one of the Labour councillors who asked the other councillors to give up five per cent of their allowances to save the Look In [a proposal which was rejected last month].

“We’re on your side.

The Look In is for over-50s only and offers a variety of cut-price drinks and snacks.

Closure of 'lifeline' cafe would be a disaster

Look In regular Peter Robey said: “[The Look In] means everything to me.

“Four years ago I lost my wife and moved back to Bracknell and one of the wonderful things I found was the Look In – it’s an oasis, I look forward to every day there.

“It’s made a lot of difference to my life.”

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The place is always virtually empty every time I pass it. Perhaps those who are protesting about the closure would do better by using the facility. Put your hands in your pockets, use the Cafe so ensuring that it becomes an economically viable concern

William Richards
26/02/2010 at 12:57

great article standard - I would like to see this followed up soon.

all too often there is a ripple when these services closed or are handed over to the voluntary sector - followed by a slow run down into obscurity ...often when the body in question fails to find funding.( Absolving the local councils of any blame)

I think the Local council has let the local community down very badly.

I do not believe for one minute they have tried hard enough. This centre is a lifeline for the local community and the staff who run the look in are a tremendous help/comfort to those who face a lonely or uncertain future.

The local council needs to re-prioritise and listen to those who vote for them.

I have to agree with Claire Heffill 60,000 is a lot of money to find. (we are in recession right? How does this affect the voluntary sector? Are they immune?)

How is this going to be sustainable?

in my opinion Councillor Dale Birch has a very different definition of 'good news' then does the community that he serves.

Best regards Jacky .