Surprise bash for Homecall's Jenny

More than 80 volunteers and their clients waiting in Cooden Social and Tennis Club gave a special round of applause for their totally surprised special guest.

As reported in the Observer two weeks ago, Jenny Private is retiring as scheme manager after an association with Homecall which started as a volunteer in 1998.

She is being succeeded by Maureen Daley. So when Maureen invited Jenny out to lunch on her last day Jenny’s suspicions were not aroused until the car turned into the social and tennis club drive.

Indoors, party balloons and a buffet lunch in her honour awaited Jenny.

Chairman Robert Hooker called on the Observer’s former deputy editor to propose a toast to Jenny and her retirement.

In a tribute to Jenny’s outstanding contribution to Homecall’s work, John Dowling said Jenny was the epitome of the old saying that it was not life’s loud-mouths who achieved results but those who were quietly determined.

Jenny became co-ordinator when Homecall went countywide in 2000.

He recalled what happened when Homecall had to cease operations elsewhere.

“When it appeared to everyone else that Homecall was finished – and with it all that it stood for, all that it had achieved for its clients – you dug in your heels!

“You did it without histrionics, without hyperbole. But you did it effectively and highly efficiently.

“And with characteristically quiet determination you ensured that it has not only survived but has done so magnificently.

“It is also characteristic of you that when thanked in the past for the pivotal role you played in Homecall’s survival in Bexhill you sought immediately to emphasise the roles that others had played.

“But every fighting campaign needs an inspirational leader.

“You were that leader. Yours was the inspiration.

“You provided the ammunition and as others rallied to the cause it was their pleasure to help fire the shots.”

While her campaign to save Homecall locally had been the highlight of her tenure of office, the smooth day-to-day running of the organisation was the hallmark of her time.

Jenny was handing over to Maureen Daley a vessel that was truly ship-shape and, having worked with Maureen in the past and knowing her integrity, dedication and commitment, he knew she would prove a worthy skipper.

In response, Jenny thanked Homecall’s volunteers for their faithful support and their commitment to the cause.

“I have had some magnificent support.”

Of her successor she said: “I will not wish her luck because she doesn’t need it. She has tremendous contacts in the town and I know she will be supported by everyone. I know that the public will continue to support Homecall in Bexhill for a very long time to come.”

Jenny was presented with a bouquet by the charity’s patron, Amanda Hamblin, a Deputy Lieutenant of the county.

There was renewed applause as Jenny ceremonially cut a specially-made retirement cake (pictured).