Page 38 - link magazine

38 swindonlink.com • September 2009
Jill can’t stop pulling pints Cafe volunteers work hard

after a quarter of a century to gain qualifi cations
Jill Stapleton began work at Freshbrook Community Centre bar when Three volunteers who work in the community cafes at Toothill Church
it fi rst opened in 1984 - and she’s still there, serving customers and and Freshbrook Community Centre are working towards gaining a Level
helping them however she can. Joy Aldred met her in the bar. 2 National Vocational Qualifi cation (NVQ) in Customer Service.

Toasting Jill Stapleton for her long service to the Freshbrook community
They say she’s the ‘heart of the in the early hours of the morning by
bar’, and believe it would close a former customer with a grudge. I
without her. Jill said she’s had her set up a bar in the main hall… and Linda Heap, back, with, from left, volunteer India Woolhouse who is taking
ups and downs, but it’s the bar then started decorating.” an access course, Carol Gibbon, Nicky Howard, Tina Mackie,
members who keep her going back Jill cooks Christmas dinners for Sarah Battershall and Lorna Sumbler
year after year. “The older members the pensioners and has even made Sarah Battershall, Nicky How- businesses and can fully fund an
come out of a lunchtime to meet curtains for some and decorated ard and Lorna Sumbler dedicate employee on a Level 2 NVQ across
people for a chat because they’re their homes. their time to cook, clear tables and most industry sectors.
scared to come out at night. They Phil Packer, a customer and for- serve customers as well as lend Linda Heap, Business First
might only be here for an hour mer bar director, said, “Jill always a friendly ear to those who need operational manager said, "it has
but it’s their day out. I’m here for puts Freshbrook Community Cen- advice or just a chat. been great to work with businesses
people, to help them... a bit of an tre bar fi rst – it would have closed "We believe that volunteering to assist them train their staff. Cafe
agony aunt really. years ago if she hadn’t continued opens up opportunities and Swin- coordinators Tina and Carole are
“I said I’d give up after 25 years, her commitment. She’s a lovely don College is offering pathways for committed to doing something
but it’s a place I can’t just walk away lady. Jill looks after the pension- the people who help in the cafes," that can benefi t the volunteers in
from. I’ve decorated it three or four ers, they come in here to see her. said Tina Mackie who coordinates the future."
times, once when we had a fi re 15 It’s a community and Jill is the the cafes with Carol Gibbon. For information about the quali-
years ago after it was petrol bombed heart of it.” The qualifications are being fi cations offered through Business
funded by the commercial arm of First call Linda on 498965 or mail:
Swindon College, Business First, businessfirst@swindon-college.
which is a training service for ac.uk
HAVE YOUR NEW LOOK Volunteer much missed
Dream Kitchen Phil Butt, who asked if he could help at Toothill’s community cafe when

at the end of June.
For less than half the cost of a new one! he dropped in for a cup of tea four years ago, died suddenly at home
“He was a lovely,
Let our ‘Made to measure’ gentle man,” said
replacement doors completely Tina Mackie. “He
transform your kitchen never failed to come
along to volunteer
and he brought a
smile to everybody’s
VAT FREE
face; we miss him
a lot.”
in September
The cafe plan to
dedicate a bench out-
side Toothill Church
after a thanksgiving
service, hopefully
in September. Next
Huge Choice Our range of replacement doors of kin are still be- From the February 2008 Link, Phil, with Tina Mackie
and drawer fronts are available in solid wood and ing sought and the and Carol Gibbon receiving a donation to the cafe
vinyl fi nishes, and made to any size. cause of death won’t by Gill Sargeant of Greendown School
Worktops We can offer a vast range of worktops be revealed until a coroner’s report To contribute to the bench fund,
including granite. is issued. call Tina on 07994 134915
Extra Units and Appliances Additional cabinets Meet and greet in the cafes
can be ‘Custom-Made-to-Measure’ and we can also supply
‘Top Brand’ appliances, sinks and accessories. Call now for a FREE Members of different agencies like the police, Swindon Community
Complete Fully Fitted Kitchens available* no obligation quotation Safety Partnership and West Swindon Neighbourhood Group are on
01793 644600
Guarantee All our work is insured and guaranteed hand at the community cafes on the second Monday morning of the
month in Toothill Church and second Wednesday morning at Freshbrook
39 BSS House Cheney Manor Ind. Estate, Swindon Community Centre.
Open: Tues to Fri 10am-4pm Sat 10am-2pm They are available to discuss community problems over a cup of
REPLACEMENT DOORS l KITCHENS l BATHROOMS l BEDROOMS coffee. Drop in if you have concerns about drug use, thefts and anti-
www.nuimagekbb.co.uk social behaviour as well as waste, recycling, street lighting and any
other council issue.

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