Victoria Avenue Day Services in Withernsea has opened a brand new pergola and seating area for services users in tribute to ‘’Dancing Queen’’ Jeanette Gell.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Victoria Avenue Day Services, Withernsea, 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 she was fondly known, was a service user at Victoria Avenue Day Centre for more than 20 years. Jeanette sadly passed away at the age of 53 following a short illness in January 2025. Her mother, Brenda Gell, thought it would be nice to use the funds raised at Jeanette’s funeral to build an outdoor seating area which will stand as a tribute to her daughter for years to come.
On Tuesday, 19 August, service users and staff gathered at the centre to join the family of Jeanette in the official opening of their new seating area, which was built by Jeanette’s brother, Patrick Gell. This was preceded by a speech from Patrick himself.
Before cutting the ribbon, Patrick Gell 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.
Not only does the pergola include a ‘’Dancing Queen Jeanette’’ tribute as ABBA was Jeanette’s favourite band, Patrick 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.
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.”
Winter plants will be added in the coming months by Patrick and service users will be helping to maintain the area, developing their practical skills and giving them to opportunity to contribute to the reflective area.
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