Ron Jewkes of Boniface Road has been made a Freeman of the City of London. This, apparently, entitles him to drive his sheep over Lon
don Bridge without paying the toll! Perhaps not the most useful privilege for a gentleman in his nineties, but a well-deserved reward for his long services to various activities in the City, including 47 years with the Prudential.
For much of his life, Ron has been closely associated with athletics. He joined Ealing Harriers in 1933 and, six years later, represented Middlesex against Essex in the 220 yards. He is widely recognised for his talents as a race starter and has just been re-appointed as Chief Starter by Athletics UK.
Ron Jewkes, amongst his roses, proudly
holding his Freedom Certificate
ABBEYFIELD – THE HOUSE WITH TWO FRONT DOORS
Half way down Court Road, backing onto the grounds of Swakeleys House, is a haven with two front doors. This is Ickenham’s Abbeyfield, a happy home for seven retired people in bed-sitters, each with en-suite bathroom. The attractive house was formed from two semi-detached houses, (hence the two front doors). Built in the thirties, it was acquired for its present purpose in 1981 when the set-up had grown out of its previous location in Little Buntings. It is blessed with extensive gardens, so much so that part of the rear is used as allotments, still leaving plenty of space for the residents to enjoy the peace, the sun and the occasional garden party.
Whilst most of the accommodation is in the house, a purpose-built extension at the rear provides handsome garden rooms for two residents. Two more en-suite rooms are currently being made available in the house. There is also a communal lounge, dining room and large kitchen – the main preserve of Rose Coniam, the much-respected and efficient housekeeper. She’s the ‘boss’, the focal point, trouble-shooter, shopper, cook and ‘mum’. Residents get their own breakfasts, but Rose prepares them two square meals a day. She also makes sure the house is always immaculate.
This standard is reflected outside, the territory of Peter Cotmore. How he manages this huge garden, most of the allotment area and his own large garden is a bit of a mystery. Not only does he achieve it but he also provides plenty of seasonal produce for Rose’s cookpot. What he doesn’t grow probably isn’t worth growing. He encourages the occupants to muck in and John James, (resident for 19 years) indulges when he’s well enough. John, incidentally, had the distinction of being the last person to drive a stream train out of Paddington Station!
At the moment, there are five residents, four ladies and John, with the likelihood of another man joining shortly. Potential occupants come and stay on a trial basis for at least a week before mutual agreement that they will settle in. On arrival, they, like their fellows, will be issued with a ‘Careline’ unit for use in the event of an emergency.
Abbeyfield is in fact the name of a national charity, providing housing for similar communities across the country. However, Ickenham’s own house is run virtually independently by a dedicated, voluntary committee including a Secretary (Beryl Upton), Maintenance Managers for house (John Davis) and garden (Peter Cotmore), a Welfare Coordinator (Bobby Foxford) and, Treasurer Brian Hague, without whose sterling work they could not have maintained their independent charity status. Until recently, their Chairman was the much-loved John Foxford. Sadly, John died shortly before Christmas and Derek Hughes is Acting Chairman, hoping for a permanent, replacement volunteer soon. The house is also in need of a paid, weekend cook/housekeeper (9am – 2pm and 4pm – 6pm Saturdays and 9am – 2pm only on Sundays). If you would like to discuss either of these roles, or visit the house, please ring Derek Hughes on 01895 624414 or 07793 727259.
Alan Noad
[Photo captions: Abbeyfield, with resident John James and Housekeeper Rose Coniam ]
