The Jubilee Centre’s AGM, held on Wednesday November 18, revealed how the Centre has this year, played a more vital role than ever in supporting the elderly and vulnerable members of our community.
When the Centre had to close during the first lockdown the staff were furloughed but came back as volunteers to cook a three course meal five times a week to be delivered to those who were unable to leave their homes.
Clare Harris, Assistant Town Clerk, organised volunteer drivers to deliver the meals. Anne Hancock, manager of the Jubilee Centre, explained how the Centre supported its members, “We kept in contact with members by sending newsletters, and ringing using a cascade list, run by staff and volunteers.
Members were also set a Jubilee Captain Tom challenge to walk 160 plus steps a day which certainly motivated them to have some kind of daily fitness routine. We made individual garden visits to keep up morale.”
Sally Wolfenden, Chair of the Jubilee Centre, liaised with the Town Council to use The Priory Gardens so that a small number of members could meet when the weather was warm. She recalled, “Their delight and enthusiasm at getting out was as good as any of the trips we’ve organised to Bournemouth in the past. They even had ice-cream.”
After a great deal of Covid risk assessment, the Jubilee Centre was able to open on October 5. The excitement was palpable. Here are some of the comments the members made on that first day back in the centre: “Happy to be back to see my friends.”
“It is bright in here.” (Jubilee had been painted)
“It is a treat not to have to cook.”
” I look like a bandit.” (with this facecovering on!)
“I had nowhere to go so I stayed in bed.”
“I have been in a box, with four walls.”
“TV is my best friend, it doesn’t argue.”
“I get up late because otherwise the day is too long.”
“Switch TV on at 7.30 am, it is on for the rest of the day, it is company.”
“TV is boring but it is better than a sleeping pill.”
In pre-lockdown times the Centre was able to welcome up to 25 members three times a week, as well as delivering meals to the housebound and a lunchtime drop-in on all other days.
Anne Hancock explained, “At present we are open two days a week for strict bubbles of members. This has been a life line to many of them. As the situation changes we will keep the safety and well-being of our members under constant review. Combating isolation is at the very heart of the Jubilee’s being.”
At the close of the AGM, Cllr Dobson said, “Thank you to everyone in the Jubilee Centre for all the incredible work you do.”
Obituary: Revd Michael Cripps
