It has come to the attention of the Trustees of Age Concern, Forest of Dean, that we have done a great disservice to Mr Lionel Jones of Rothdean Ltd in not publicly acknowledging his philanthropy in allowing the Age Concern kitchen to remain rent-free in the Enterprise Centre, which he owns, for many years.

It is well-known that Ensors have given us wonderful support but Lionel Jones's equally essential help has largely remained unsung and we wish to correct this situation through this letter. Without all the help we have had over the years the kitchen would have struggled to survive.

As it is, our kitchen, with its dedicated team of staff and volunteers, is currently providing almost 700 meals each week to individuals and lunch clubs at the very reasonable cost of £3.50 for a three-course meal and is a valuable resource for older people in the Forest. 

The Trustees are grateful to everyone concerned.

– Dr Daphne Pearson, chairman, Age Concern Forest of Dean, Goscox Court, Hill Street, Lydney.