‘It is deeply moving to see such a thoughtful and lasting tribute created in her memory’
A brand new pergola and seating area has opened in Withernsea as tribute to ‘Dancing Queen’ Jeanette Gell. East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Victoria Avenue Day Services provides a variety of support to people with learning disabilities, people with autism and older people, including those with memory impairment conditions.
Jeanette, or Netty as her friends called her, was a service user at the centre for more than 20 years. She sadly passed away at the age of 53 following a short illness in January of this year.
Brenda Gell, Jeanette’s mother, wanted to use the funds raised at her funeral to build an outdoor seating area which will stand as tribute to her daughter. The official opening on Tuesday, August 19, saw service users, staff and the family of Jeanette gather for the ceremony.
The new seating area was built by Jeanette’s brother Patrick Gell and he gave a speech at the opening. Before cutting the ribbon, Patrick said: ‘’Thank you to everyone for coming today for the opening of the memorial bench as a reminder of my sister, Jeanette Gell, who spent many years here at Victoria Avenue Day Centre where she made many friends and memories throughout this time. We hope that staff and her friends will enjoy using this memorial bench and recollect time spent with Jeanette.’’
The pergola and seating area can be found within the garden space of Victoria Avenue Day Centre. Patrick, who owns a long-standing horticultural business in Withernsea, said that project took four to five days to complete.
It includes a ‘Dancing Queen Jeanette’ tribute as ABBA was her favourite band, and Patrick also incorporated her favourite colours of pink and purple, butterflies and cherished photos of Jeanette at her happiest into the project.
Pink and purple flowers fill the flowerbeds and adorn the pergola, these include calla lilies, lavender, cyclamen and the fitting Dancing Queen rose. Plum slate was also used to fit with the colour scheme.
An angel statue and bird bath were added for decoration and contribute to the tranquillity of the area for service users. The timber has also been treated to last at least 15 years.
Patrick will add winter plants in the coming months. Service users will be helping to maintain the area, developing their practical skills and giving them to opportunity to contribute to the reflective area.
Councillor Jonathan Owen, cabinet member for adults, social care and health at East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “Jeanette Gell was a cherished member of the Victoria Avenue Day Centre community, and it is deeply moving to see such a thoughtful and lasting tribute created in her memory. The new pergola and seating area not only reflect Jeanette’s vibrant personality and love of ABBA music but also provide a peaceful and reflective space for service users to enjoy. I commend everyone involved in bringing this meaningful project to life.”