We are deeply saddened by the news that our colleague, friend and cafe manager Bev Jones has died following a short illness.
Bev worked at our Sunshine Community Café on the Sale West estate for the last 17 years, starting out as the café co-ordinator.
Her warmness, generosity and down-to-earth humour – not to mention her amazing skills cooking up everything from her signature quiche to a roast dinner with all the trimmings – will be missed by so many.
Our thoughts are with Bev’s daughter Kim, one of our Irwell Valley Homes colleagues who inherited her mum’s culinary talents and also works at the café. We are also thinking of her partner, two other daughters, her two sisters who also live on the estate, and all the wider family.
Maria, our Community Investment Manager who has worked with Bev for many years, said: “Bev was so well-known and well-loved on the Sale West estate – she always made people feel welcome and was ready with a listening ear whatever might be going on in their lives.
“Her quiche was legendary and she made a mean chilli, but much more than that it was her warmth, her good-natured banter, her kindness and generosity which will stay with me and all those who knew her.
“She really was one of a kind, salt of the earth and we are going to miss her so much.”
Sasha, our Chief Executive, said: “We are shocked and saddened by this news and thinking of everyone who knew Bev, especially Kim and her family.
“She made the Sunshine Café what it is – a true community place which supports local people in so many ways, providing a warm and welcoming space for everything from a chat over a cup of tea to a hearty home-cooked meal.
“We are so grateful for her wonderful contribution and the difference she has made to so many residents’ lives.”
There have been many highlights from Bev’s time at the Sunshine Café over the years – serving up thousands of free school meals in the holidays; providing the refreshments for the local SEND youth club; organising the catering for community events and activities, and supporting young people on volunteering and work experience placements, to name but a few.
What also stands out is the contribution she made during the Covid pandemic – when she volunteered her time with the Sale Response Hub which provided emergency services and supplies when all but essential shops were closed during lockdown.
The central role she played in the success of this initiative was recognised with the High Sheriff of Manchester’s Award in 2020.
In typical Bev style she was incredibly humble in her response to this recognition which was so well deserved.
Scores of tributes have also been paid to Bev from customers through the Sale West Voice Facebook page:
“The cafe just won't seem the same without Bev... she was a diamond with a massive heart.”
“Bev was an absolute legend and a very special lady.”
“She will always be a part of the Sale West story, fondly remembered and missed by so many.”