Phyllis Court support the local community

Since lockdown began, Phyllis Court Club and its Members have done all they can to support the local community. In utilising its estate, the private members club hosted a PPE Surgical Gown Factory in the Riverside Pavilion and used the car park to assist Rupert House in safely getting children to school.

Members also rallied round to support the local food bank. CEO Chris Hogan said “we found innovative ways to use our estate and it was with great pleasure that we were able to support NHS, local school children and families in need of food. The generosity of the Members in supporting these initiatives has been truly heartening.”

When the hospitality sector was instructed to close its doors in March, the Club set about supporting its Members with a food delivery and collection service, regular welfare calls and virtual activities to keep members fit and entertained. The Club recognised, however that it was not just Members who needed support. Phyllis Court usually raises around £30,000 each year though events in aid of local charities, however, with the Clubhouse closed, and events on hold, Phyllis Court sought to support the local community in other ways.

The PPE Surgical Gown Factory in the Riverside Pavilion was the brainchild of Kristie Shemilt who is a Member of the Club. Phyllis Court did not hesitate in agreeing to Kristie setting up the production line. Happily, the volunteers far exceeded this targeted of 3,500 units and manufactured 5,021 gowns for the Royal Berkshire Hospital! 

In another initiative, Phyllis Court Club has been able to support local children in making a safe return to education by allowing parents to use its visitor car park to drop off. Head Teacher Mrs Lynas said: “The drop-off seemed to work very well, and Phyllis Court was exceptionally kind. I don’t think the (school) day would have worked if we had tried to get everyone in through the front door.”

The Club also responded to the plea for help from the local food bank who were experiencing unprecedented demand by setting up a donation scheme. Nearly 1000 items were donated by Members and this generous support helped to tide the food bank through the unforeseen period when they were relied upon by 108 local families and individuals.