After 26 years, the hugely popular and respected Manager at Waverley Day Centre, Anne Cross, is retiring today (23 May).

Anne joined Waverley in 1997, originally covering some part-time hours as a carer. 

Having worked under two previous Managers, Anne, a trained nurse with a career in the NHS and care home management, took on the role of Manager in 2004. 

Reflecting on her time at Waverley, Anne said: "I have really enjoyed working for a local charity, what great insight Cllr Helen Dore had in setting up Waverley as a lunch club in the early 1980's. 

"Along with Freda Wheat, one of the early Chair of Trustees, they recognised the need for a place for older people to come together for food and friendship in Kenilworth".

Anne has been the face of Waverley and is hugely popular with clients, staff and volunteers alike. 

Many people in the town recognise her friendly smile and remember her looking after family members with her inherent care and compassion, sprinkled with a great sense of humour. 

Anne has so many positive memories of her time at Waverley, particularly working through the challenges of the Covid 19 pandemic, being forced to close for three months and then being able to reopen and provide the much-needed service to the people of Kenilworth. 

Anne's main reflection on her time at Waverley is the power of volunteering. 

Anne Cross retired after 26 years at Waverley (images supplied)

Anne said: "Waverley has most definitely shown me the power of volunteering. 

"Our volunteers are the backbone of what we do. 

"Along with a small team of paid staff they ensure our clients have the best experience every day.

"I cannot possibly name everyone who has supported me over the years, the staff and volunteers past and present, the families and carers whom I have met and all the representatives of the service clubs who have been there for the charity and myself.

"It has been a pleasure to work in Kenilworth.

"It is a very special town and I wish Waverley well in the future."

Everyone involved with Waverley will miss Anne and are all delighted that she will be going on to enjoy a "well-deserved retirement."

Sue LaVerne, Chair of Trustees at Waverley, said " I would like to thank Anne for her all her hard work and for making Waverley a warm and welcoming environment for our clients. 

"We will all miss Anne and wish her an amazing and well-deserved retirement." 

Anne will be handing over the reigns to Kate Sweet, who is taking over as Manager having completed a handover. 

Kate is hugely experienced in adult care having run her own care home business and most recently worked for Warwickshire County Council. 

Sue LaVerne said: " I am delighted to welcome Kate to Waverley.

"Her experience and warm personality will ensure that Waverley moves forward in safe hands, and I am looking forward to working with Kate."