Ocorian funds new hedges at the Jubilee Day Centre

The previous hedges which provided boundaries to the centre’s garden were in a deteriorating condition, however the garden is now bordered by young hedge plants which will grow to create a live fence.

‘A lot of our visitors either don’t have gardens or are wary to go out in them alone, but here we help them outside so the garden is well used,’ said centre manager Josie Breton.

‘The new hedges will just keep the clients safe and we have a lovely working relationship with Ocorian, who have done so much for the Jubilee Day Centre.’

The day centre, on Grandes Maisons Road in St Sampson’s, is a safe place for older islanders to enjoy the company of others and a nice lunch and benefit from the activities and facilities on offer.

Centre user Barry Sampson spends a lot of time in the garden: ‘I love being out in the sun and the fresh air and I often do my colouring out there.’

Staff at the centre regularly set up games such as boules, cricket and skittles for the visitors, as well as providing ice creams for them to enjoy.

‘I absolutely loved my own garden and loved growing beautiful flowers like a picture and so I enjoy going out into the garden here,’ said visitor Dolly Rowsell.

Ocorian has been supporting the Jubilee Day Centre for several years and provides gifts to its users such as Easter eggs and Christmas gift bags, as well as contributions to the centre, such as the hedges.

‘We do it to give back to the community and will continue to do more maintenance in the garden,’ said Anne Knights.

‘We hope that other companies will see the work we’ve done and it will entice them to also help out in the community.’

n The Jubilee Day Centre is run by volunteers and Ms Breton is always looking for more people who are keen to help. Anyone interested in providing assistance at the centre, or driving islanders to and from the centre, should contact 246045.