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Date:  3 March 2008

The Princess Alexandra Home residents enjoy a supper club

There’s a buzz in the air on Thursday nights at Jewish Care’s Princess Alexandra Home in Stanmore when a group of young people aged between 16 and 21 run a supper club for the elderly residents. The group has evolved under the leadership of Jewish Care volunteer Richard Weber assisted by staff members.

JFS pupil Jamie Solomons, 16, is the group’s chairman and members come from different schools including Immanuel College, Merchant Taylors’, Watford Grammar, City of London and St Helen’s. The initiative began in January.

“I decided to get involved after Jewish Care’s volunteer department spoke at our assembly,” explained Jamie Solomons. He added: “This is the first time I’ve volunteered at a care home and it has worked out really well. The residents are excited to see us and enjoy the programmes that we put on.”

Lauren Grant, who attends St Helen’s School, heard about the club from a friend. She said: “I love it, the residents are so lovely and they all have stories to tell.”

The young volunteers act as waiters and waitresses serving food to around 30 residents who enjoy a candlelit supper with wine in the home’s library, while soft music is played. Afterwards, they put on activities such as arts and crafts, games of Pictionary and exercises to music.

The eldest participant, Annie Testler, 102, was painting her name on a tile to go outside of her room, helped by one of the volunteers. “I think the club is a very good idea,” said Raie Weston, 94, who was also involved in the artwork.

Her sentiments were echoed by Frank Foreman, 88, who said: “The club is excellent and it is a pleasure talking to them [the young volunteers]. They are so well mannered and thoughtful.”

For details of volunteering opportunities call 020 8922 2405 or email volunteer@jcare.org