Jewish Care

Jewish Care celebrates the Dennis Centre’s 10th Anniversary

Jewish Care supporters Cyril Dennis and his wife, Hilary, were guests of honour when the Dennis Centre – founded by Mr Dennis – celebrated its 10th anniversary with a party, held at the Gants Hill-based centre on Tuesday 1st May.

The three-floored building contains Jewish Care’s Redbridge social work and home care teams, with a special day care centre for people with dementia on the ground floor. It was at the special day care centre that the party – a brunch for members, staff and volunteers – took place, with Mr and Mrs Dennis cutting the cake, alongside Jewish Care chief executive Simon Morris, Zoe McGurrell, the centre’s special day care manager, and member Shirley Berg.

Cyril Dennis said: “It’s a privilege and an honour for Hilary and I not only to be here today but to see what has transpired in ten years. When you think of all thousands of people who have benefited from the Dennis Centre, you have no idea how uplifting it is for us.”

“When we first came to Ilford, we got married and had a house in Newbury Park and we were very successful over the years and the great thing about being fortunate is that it is wonderful if you can share it with others. What is success if you just want it for yourself? When we see the things we have been able to do for the community, it makes everything worthwhile.

“I assure you that money is just a small part of it; Jewish Care is a wonderful umbrella for the Jewish community – what really makes a difference [to the centre] are the people who are here every day.”

Chief executive Simon Morris said: “Cyril’s generosity, the community and our wonderful staff and volunteers have made this centre so special, a vital cog in our services in Redbridge. Today typifies what makes Jewish Care the organisation that I want it to be – the best in health and social care.”

The gathering included Richard Franklin, the charity’s fundraising director and community services director Neil Taylor. Earlier, guests had been welcomed by Zoe McGurrell, manager of the centre’s special day care unit, followed by Estelle Gudde, senior administrator.

Enjoying the party, Trudy Koss, a special day care centre volunteer, said it was “a special place. I am very pleased to be able to help [the clients]. They appreciate it so much and you feel a part of their lives. But we don’t do it for the thanks – it gives us all a great deal of pleasure.”

Referring to Mr Dennis, social work manager Ann Saunders added: “I hadn’t met him before – he was so warm and friendly, very approachable. It was a fantastic party and so nice to get everyone together.”