A fundraising charity dinner and auction held in the Town Hall on Saturday March 7 (pre-Lockdown) has raised a staggering £9,500 for Marlborough’s Jubilee Centre.
140 people enjoyed an evening which included canapés, fizz, a three course meal, an after dinner speech by Angus MacLennan of the White Horse Bookshop, an auction of promises, a raffle and a disco.
Anne Hancock, Manager of the Jubilee Centre, said, “We had a most wonderful evening thanks to Mervyn Hall the mayor for allowing this to happen as one of his chosen charities. The support from the local Marlborough community was quite overwhelming and the atmosphere was really exciting.
“Sally Wolfenden, chair of the Jubilee Committee, was MC for the evening. A delicious three course dinner was cooked by Ian and Carole Walker (ex Jubilee manager) ably assisted by Jubilee volunteers, Patrick, Barbara, Paula, Audrey and Irene.
“The volunteer waitresses for the evening were St John’s pupils, what a credit to the school they are. A most enjoyable after dinner speech was given by Angus MacLennan from the White Horse Bookshop who spoke about his experiences of managing book shops in various parts of the country.
“This was followed by a magnificent auction of promises lead by David Harrison and Sue Owen from the (aptly named!) Jubilee Auction Rooms in Pewsey and a raffle followed by a disco. A huge thank you to Alan, the Town Hall caretaker, who went out of his way to be of assistance. Well done people of Marlborough on this phenomenal fundraiser.”
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.
Activities have included poetry readings, singalongs, talks from Wiltshire Wildlife, Age Concern, the Bobby Van Trust.
On Wednesday and Thursday the centre is open to all those aged 60 + on a drop in basis and lunch is provided for £5. Attending the centre can enable people to maintain their independence and help combat rural isolation. It can also enable people to continue live in their own homes.
Anne commented, “There’s an absolute need for the Jubilee Centre in our society. Members tell me that coming to the Jubilee Centre gives their week a structure and they look forward to it. I hope it can continue.”
In the current lockdown the Jubilee Centre is providing a meals on wheels service five days a week for members of our community.
Coronavirus crisis: message from Danny Kruger MP
