Day centre’s members are happy in their new home
JEWISH CARE has opened its latest facility, the Ronson Family Community Centre, at its Sandringham campus on the Stanmore/Hertfordshire borders.
Forty people who, pre-pandemic, attended the charity’s Edgware and Harrow Day Centre were among those exploring the new base.
There were also some fresh faces for the first in-person activities in 18 months.
Happy to be back was Anita Levine, who declared: “In the words of Barbra Streisand, ‘people who need people are the luckiest people in the world’.
“I have missed going to the day centre so much. It’s a life-saver for me. I’ve made many friends through the centre and the new surroundings are really lovely.”
Also pleased to return to in-person activities was Miriam Fleisher, 101, who recalled that because of lockdown, her 100th birthday was celebrated al fresco in the street where she lives, with wellwishers shouting greetings from the pavement.
“It was so lovely to celebrate but I’m glad we can be back in person at the [new] centre after so long.”
The Sandringham campus is set in 16 acres of natural woodland, with landscaped courtyards and gardens. Community centre members can also join
services at the on-site synagogue, participate in yoga sessions in a specially designed garden or grab a bite at the café, serving hot kosher food.
Jewish Care chief executive Daniel Carmel-Brown said: “It was wonderful to see so many members and volunteers enjoying the first day of in-person activity. Sandringham has much to offer the local community and we are excited that the doors are now open.”
Another new Sandringham facility is the Zalman and Ruchi Noé Centre for those living with dementia, whose members can also take part in the community centre’s activities.