In October 2024, and after 13 years of working with us, the Club said farewell to our Senior Club Manager, Pauline Simons.  It wasn’t Pauline’s choice to leave us but when it became clear her ill-health would result in a very long absence, in her usual unselfish way, Pauline put the Club first and took the difficult decision to retire.

During Pauline’s absence, the trustees managed aspects of Pauline’s role that we felt it unfair to expect her temporary cover to take on.  That has helped all of the trustees to become fully appreciative of all the work involved in the role: work that Pauline took in her stride to ensure the smooth running of the Club. 

And from the photo, you’ll see that Pauline’s commitment extended to giving up her free time to staff a booth in the Swan Centre during a volunteer recruitment drive.

The Club was always Pauline’s first consideration – or rather, the welfare of our members was always uppermost in her mind, as was evidenced by her dedication to them.  

Many a time, Pauline was in tears when a member left the Club to move on to the next level of care.  In contrast, our members’ faces would light up on seeing Pauline when they arrived for their day at the Club, where the order of the day was fun and laughter.

Thank you so much, Pauline, for devoting yourself to our members and their wellbeing over the past 13 years and in doing that being such an asset to the work of the Trust.