Centre to be renamed in memory of Bob Jones CBE

  • Post published:22nd October 2015
  • Post Category:Local News

A long-serving Wolverhampton councillor and the West Midlands’ first Police and Crime Commissioner will be honoured when a popular community centre is renamed in his memory.

Bob Jones CBE, who passed away suddenly at the aged of 59 last year, was just 25 when he was first elected as a councillor for the Blakenhall ward, and went on to serve the people of Wolverhampton with distinction for more than three decades.

To recognise his contribution to the city, Blakenhall Community and Healthy Living Centre is set to be renamed the Bob Jones Community Hub at a special ceremony attended by members of his family later this month.

Councillor Elias Mattu, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “Bob Jones CBE was a keen supporter of the people of Blakenhall and one of the driving forces behind Blakenhall Community and Healthy Living Centre, which has proved to be very popular since it opened in 2010. It is therefore fitting that we are able to ensure his legacy lives on by renaming the centre in his honour.”

Bob’s widow Sarah Edmondson said: “Bob dedicated his life to serving the people of Wolverhampton. As a director of ABCD he helped to oversee the regeneration of the former Blakenhall Gardens estate and the creation of the healthy living centre, and I know he would be incredibly proud – and humbled – to see it renamed in his memory.”

A plaque commemorating the renaming of the hub, along with a separate memorial detailing Bob’s service to the people of Wolverhampton, will be unveiled by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Yvonne Mosquito during a special open day on Friday 30 October, 2015.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to see for themselves the wide range of sports, fitness and community facilities on offer at the hub, which has standard and Easyline gyms, a toning suite, sports hall and meeting rooms and is home to Blakenhall Library and the popular Taste of Paradise café.

The open day will also feature performances by Dohl drummers and Jai Jashn dancers while there will be special spin classes and the chance to try out badminton, and get advice from the Healthy Lifestyles Team, Wolverhampton Information Network, the Carer Support Team and the council’s All Age Disability Services.

Councillor Mattu added: “As well as a chance to celebrate the life of Bob Jones CBE, the open day on 30 October will give people the chance to look around the hub and find out more about the many activities it offers.”

The Bob Jones Community Hub is open to the public on Mondays and Fridays from 9am–5pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am–9pm and Saturdays from 9am-1pm. For more information, please call 01902 555460.

 

 

 

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