Celebrating Joan Sellyn’s 100th birthday

Jewish Care Scotland marked a huge milestone with Honorary Vice-President Joan Sellyn.  Jewish Care Scotland Chairman Dr Richard Groden, Honorary President Maureen Solomons, Honorary Vice-President Lesley Roles joined Joan and her grandchildren Marc and Gabrielle at Joan’s home for a surprise tea to mark her upcoming 100^th birthday.

Along with Chief Executive Linda Kemp and Deputy Chief Executive Robyn Friel, the group celebrated Joan’s birthday as well as reminiscing and reflecting on Joan’s impressive contribution to Jewish Care Scotland and the wider Community.

Maureen Solomons remembered how she looked up to Joan as her mentor when she first started volunteering with Jewish Care Scotland in 1986, and described her as the voice of reason.  Maureen, Joan and Lesley remembered an intensive counselling course that they embarked upon together, with Joan helping to organise weekend retreats as part of the learning and always making sure the group had their home comforts while they were away learning.  They reflected on Joan’s motto which was “just do it”, and according to her grandchildren that hasn’t changed!

Joan was presented with flowers, cakes and a certificate from Jewish Care Scotland marking her 100^th birthday in October and told us of her time at Jewish Care Scotland that it was “all good fun”.