Paul became his friend and in return Robert came to work every day. There was not any task he was asked to do that he refused.

He treats everybody with kindness and respect, always safety conscious and hardworking. Robert enriches all the lives he comes into contact with.

Robert is indispensible. He is a very big part of FCV.

We were delighted to celebrate both his 50th birthday and the 20th anniversary of his coming to us at FCV. Congratulations and many thanks for your huge contribution, Robert.

As well as being kind and generous, he was an extremely talented and intelligent man, who devoted his working life to the vulnerable and isolated elderly people of the area. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him.

He greatly enriched the lives of many, taking them to places they never dreamed of; to parks to see the deer, on canal boats, on holiday to seaside resorts and to our caravan at Steeple Bay. He organised barbecues, shopping trips and outings to pubs. He personally helped many individuals through times of crisis on both a practical and emotional level.

Paul was a modest man with a great sense of humour. He quietly got on with his work, never seeking praise for himself. He was an inspirational leader.

Paul personally changed the lives of many for the better. He will be greatly missed.

A great time was had at both parties although no engagements have been announced as a consequence.

We look forward to enjoying his enthusiasm again at future events.

This was the question being widely discussed by the clients following a hugely successful celebration, which was sponsored by Broadgate Estates and MUSI (part of the Mitsubishi Group).

In addition to financial support, the sponsors also provided a large number of Christmas presents for the clients and volunteers who were energetic and notably enthusiastic on the dance floor.

Steve’s live music was outstanding, as was the contribution of Jessie Stafford, one of our clients, who brilliantly sang a number of old favourites.

Many thanks to everyone involved for a wonderful start to the Christmas celebrations.

Chefs help Finsbury and Clerkenwell Volunteers mark anniversary

Recruits from Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Restaurant helped a charity which supports elderly and vulnerable people celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Four young chefs, overseen by Steve McGowan – the sous chef at the restaurant – presented a three-course Italian lunch to the 90 guests who attended the Finsbury and Clerkenwell Volunteers milestone birthday lunch at the Vibast Community Centre in Old Street, Finsbury, on November 24.

Guests included Mayor of Islington, Cllr Phil Kelly, and representatives from a number of charitable and corporate supporters, alongside the charity’s volunteers and a large contingent of the elderly clients they help.

Betty Cardock, 94, gave an emotional tribute to the volunteers who have provided unwavering support for her in a number of ways since being introduced to the charity by her sister over 20 years ago.

She said: “I cannot praise or thank enough the work that the volunteers do for all of us. They have been there for me in even the darkest times when my sister was unwell and there with all their support when I held her hand for the last time. They provide a vital service to all of us and without them we would be truly lost.”

Chairman Andrew Thompson thanked all the volunteers for their hundreds of hours of work over the years, as well as the council for its support over the past four decades which has now come to an end in the face of austerity measures.

As reported by the Gazette last month, the charity needs support from corporate sponsors if it is to survive and continues to appeal for help.

Four recruits from Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Restaurant presented a hugely delicious three course Italian lunch to 90 guests, including the Mayor of Islington, representatives from a number of charitable and corporate supporters, alongside volunteers and a large contingent of the elderly clients helped by the charity.

Betty Cardock, aged 94, gave an emotional tribute to the volunteers of FCV who had provided unwavering support for her in a number of ways since being introduced to the charity by her sister over 20 years ago. She said: “I cannot praise or thank enough the work that the volunteers do for all of us; they have been there for me in even the darkest times when my sister was unwell and there with all their support when I held her hand for the last time. They provide a vital service to all of us and without them we would be truly lost.”

Andrew Thompson, Chair, thanked all the volunteers of the organisation for the hundreds of thousands of hours they have given over the last 40 years to improve the lives of isolated or elderly members of the community. He acknowledged the huge support received from Islington Council over that period but recognised that increased support from charitable backers and corporate supporters will be crucial for the ongoing delivery of FCV’s services.

After lunch the Mayor proposed a toast and this was followed by a raffle and a singsong. The regulars declared the day a huge success and a fitting celebration for the 40th anniversary.