“Everyone responds positively to kindness, love and attention,” says Jubilee Centre manager Carole Walker as she finishes her last week there as manager. Carole, who has been the manager of the centre since 2004, is leaving on January 14. She will be replaced by Anne Hancock, a retired teacher.
Reflecting on nearly fifteen years in the job Carole told marlborough.news, “I have enjoyed the community feel of the centre. Every elderly person is delightful even if they are having a grumpy day. Once you spend a little bit of time and give them love and attention they’re just lovely people.”
“Managing volunteers has been a challenge but very rewarding. Being in the centre of the High Street is a huge bonus and our landlords Aster Living are very understanding and charge a very reasonable rent.”
The Jubilee Centre provides a safe, caring and stimulating environment for people over sixty. The centre caters for up to twenty five members on a Monday, Tuesday and Friday who have been referred by GP’s, local authorities, district nurses etc.. For £10 they are provided with transport, a three course lunch, and a programme of varied activities.
Recent activities have included poetry readings, singalongs, talks from Wiltshire Wildlife, Age Concern, the Bobby Van Trust.
There are currently spaces for a few more to join.
On Wednesday and Thursday the centre is open on a drop in basis and lunch is provided for £5. “Attending the centre can,” says Carole, “enable people to maintain their independence and to continue living in their own homes.”
During her time there Carole has organised a complete renovation of the centre and ensured there are new appliances in place. She introduced meals on wheels for those unable to attend the centre, added a first course of soup to the daily lunch, organised a very popular summer trip to Bournemouth and at Christmas invited local school children in to entertain the members.
“We have an amazing team of volunteers who deliver the meals on wheels. There is a lot of support in the local community.”
The centre could not run without its volunteers, who are all ages and from all walks of life, including young volunteers from St John’s. Tesco and Waitrose make regular food donations which helps keep food costs down. Marlborough College donates food hampers at Christmas and Easter.
Carole will, she says, miss the Jubilee Centre but she is keen to devote more time to her own business of making curtains, blinds and dress making. She also has plans to introduce some craft and sewing activities to the wider community.
The Jubilee Centre are always keen to recruit new volunteers. To apply contact : thejubileecentre@aol.com or phone 01672 513087