Kingfisher Day Centre manager given a farewell to remember (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Kingfisher Day Centre manager given a farewell to remember

11:00am Tuesday 9th October 2012 in Local By Gazette reporter

THE manager of a group for older people living in Whitchurch and Overton has retired after 17 years of service.

Centre manager Julia Cobb was presented with balloons and gifts at a goodbye get-together involving the staff and friends of the Kingfisher Day Centre, in Laverstoke.

The day centre has recently moved from its previous home into the revamped hall.

Julia, who has been centre manager for almost 17 years and was involved with the organisation before that, said: “There have been a lot of changes. When I first took over the clients were more able-bodied – they could go to the shops and do their shopping.

“They could do a lot more for themselves but now they are in a much more critical condition. We are literally keeping them out of nursing homes.”

Julia, who is moving to Brighton to be closer to her family, will fill her free time with volunteering for local charities.

She said: “The staff at Kingfisher Day Centre are absolutely fabulous people to work with. I really wish them all the best for the future as things are changing with adult services. I wish them all so much success and hope that the centre will roll on as we are all going to need these places.”

Councillor Barry Jackman, of Whitchurch Town Council, was at the gathering to bid the centre manager a fond farewell. He said: “Julia has been the face of Kingfisher since it started way back in the 1980s, and she has been a fantastic support to the older and more vulnerable members of our society around this area.”