DARLISTON, Westmoreland — Returning resident, Ivabess Crooks-Degrella, is the driving force behind a new senior citizens group being organised in this quiet rural community.

The group, named Darliston Seniors No 2, is seeking to bring together not only the aged but also those who are disabled, shut-ins, and those suffering from loneliness.

According to Degrella, plans are now afoot to fine-tune the proposal that will be submitted to the Member of Parliament for the area and prime minister, P J Patterson, with the aim of seeking financial assistance to erect a permanent centre.

An ambitious Degrella envisaged that the facility will boast a lawn paved from the roadway to the building, a verandah with adequate chairs, large rooms with the necessary furniture, kitchen area, two offices, a small library, bathrooms and a storage section. Additionally, she said, the facility will also provide recreational activities such as art and craft and horticulture.

Degrella, a retired volunteer nurse, has been working with a small group to make her dreams a reality. The group is working closely with Shelia Richards Fullwood, who is the organiser of senior citizen groups in the parish. The group meets on the second Thursday of each month at the YMCA building in Darliston.