Simon Jupp MP thanks Honiton 55+ Centre staff for 30 years’ service

The East Devon MP visited the Honiton 55+ Centre to thank outgoing staff members Jean Richardson and Caroline Miles for their 30 years of service with the organisation and its predecessor, St Michael’s.

As the respective manager and senior supervisor, Jean and Caroline have helped run the centre’s day-to-day services whichinclude day care provision and social activities for local residents in East Devon, including Honiton, West Hill, Ottery St Mary and Dunkeswell.

The charity played a key role during the pandemic, offering a ‘meals on wheels’ service to vulnerable residents who were unable to organise food for themselves due to lockdown restrictions. Following its proven success, the offering continues to this day and is in high demand.

Simon Jupp MP was joined by John Zarczynski, Chairman of the 55+ Centre, and Councillor Phil Twiss, Devon County Councillor for Honiton, to talk about the future of the facility and how the space has potential to offer additional services to the community.

As the new management team lead the 55+ Centre, Caroline Miles will stay onboard in the role of a trustee to support the charity.

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, said; “I want to thank Jean and Caroline for their dedicated service to residents across Honiton and our wider East Devon community. They are an example of the best of us in our county, and they will be truly missed by the team and residents alike. I also want to thank John Zarczynski and Councillor Twiss for their hard work in ensuring the 55+ Centre has the funding and support it needs.”

John Zarczynski, Chairman of the 55+ Centre, said; “I pay tribute to Jean and Caroline who have been integral to the success of this service. We are sad to be losing them but wish them the happiest of retirements. We are lucky to have a brilliant team who will be stepping up and I am grateful to Simon Jupp for coming to see the important work we do at the 55+ Centre.”