Guernsey Press

Liberation preparations aided by new GVS activities room

LIBERATION Day float flowers were delicately crafted yesterday as Lady Corder, the wife of Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder, officially opened the new activities room at the Jubilee Day Centre.

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Lady Corder, second right, joined in making Liberation decorations when she oened the new activities room at the Jubilee Day Centre with, left to right, Kate Hotton, Carmen Palmeri, Pam Davey, activities co-ordinator, Marion Bowditch and Jane Barnes. (Pictures by Adrian Miller, 26908538)

As the 75th anniversary draws nearer, clients at the GVS in both Jubilee and Russels Day Centres are preparing their float for Saturday 9 May.

‘Our activities room has been completely redecorated. Before it was another lounge that was dark, dingy and didn’t get used at all,’ said Josie Breton, Jubilee day centre manager, ‘now thanks to Norman Piette we can use this whole room.’

Clients were joined by Lady Corder as they made decorations together.

‘It’s very important to have a designated area. What’s really lovely is that now they can all chat while doing activities,’ Lady Corder said, ‘like with the poppies, where they could see all their work in the garden, now they can showcase their arts and crafts on a float on Liberation Day. I really love coming here.’

The atmosphere was cheerful as activities were underway.

‘Clients love it. They can get together and [activities co-ordinator Pam [Davey] can do a lot more with them, anything from puzzles to arts and crafts. It’s fantastic to have the space. At the moment they’ve been making fridge magnets and sand paintings.’

Prosecco was brought out to celebrate the opening.

‘Oh it’s lovely what they’ve done here, really really nice,’ said Jane Barnes, centre-goer, ‘I’m going to The Russels tomorrow, so I get to see how both are decorating the floats. They do all sorts of activities with us, I love it at both centres and can’t pick a favourite.’

‘Norman Piette very generously donated all our storage units. We had the walls repainted and now have an archway with hidden doors, it’s really opened it up,’ Mrs Breton said.

‘A building contractor named Steve Davey came in during the holidays. He had a tight schedule and worked long hours bless him, since we are only closed for two weeks.’

Fit for purpose, the activities room will see much use and enjoyment.

‘Conveniently Steve is my husband, so we had everything done just how we needed it. This was handy when at first the workbench was fit too high, but it was easy to have it lowered,’ said Mrs Davey.

‘The nice thing is, before the work everyone was doing activities on little benches in the lounge and we had to pack it all away for lunch. Now it’s a much better experience.’

A short speech was given to thank the donors.

‘Thank you very much to Norman Piette for supporting the GVS. They very generously paid for the materials, without which we would’ve struggled,’ Mandy Le Bachelet, GVS manager said, ‘it’s brilliant and so worthwhile, and incredibly enjoyable for the clients.’

The wonderful service provided by the GVS was thanked by Norman Piette.

Ilona Wallis watched by Lindsey Hart, from Norman Piette, which supported the work on the room. (26908545)

‘We have close links with the GVS who provide a fantastic service on the island and have supported them with various building materials over the years,’ said Lindsey Hart on behalf of the company.

‘The activities room is a brilliant addition to their centre and it is delightful to be able to see it in use and getting used by the clients regularly. We were able to donate various materials such as softwood, sand, cement, kitchen cupboards and worktops which were installed by a local builder.’

. The GVS is always keen to hear from new volunteers. To find out more call, 247518.