Georgie has been in post for more than thirty years. Born and brought up in Swaffham, Georgie has dedicated her life to caring for others and her role at the Merle Boddy Centre demonstrates this commitment. She is so well known and so highly regarded within the Swaffham community, that she motivates valuable support and gathers generous donations from many local groups and associations. These additional funds are critical to assist the Centre to maintain the level of service, that is then available to those individuals who are less fortunate and seek the support that the Merle Boddy Centre can provide.
David Morris has succeeded James Dean as Chairman of the Merle Boddy Centre which provides stimulating companionship and day care for people with dementia in Swaffham and district. In 2009 David moved to Castle Acre from Cambridge after 25 years as a senior university administrator followed by 16 years with an international consultancy for not-for-profit organisations. He discovered the Merle Boddy Centre in 2014 and was so impressed he made it his Rotary Club 'President's Charity' in 2016.
"The Merle Boddy Centre's response to the Covid-19 challenge was superb," he says, "a real credit to all concerned, and something of which Swaffham should be particularly proud".
We started way back in 1975. As we grew over the next few years we began looking for a permanent home.
In 1988 we moved into the newly restored Railway Station in Swaffham. The Centre was named after Merle Boddy, a prominent Swaffham person, Town Councillor, and former Town Mayor.
With continued growth the decision was taken to become an independent organisation, so, on the 9th August 1994 we became a private limited company, Swaffham & District Mental Health Association Limited.
On 26th October 1995 we became an Independent Registered Charity.