Volunteer spotlight: Lennie’s story

Why JCS?

Leonard Wilson, known as Lennie by his Jewish Care Scotland family, Lennie has been volunteering with us for over ten years. Having been previously kept busy in the restaurant industry, Lennie comfortably steps into his role as the ‘kitchen manager’ where he serves soup, teas, coffee and cakes at Welcome Wednesday. If you know our Lennie, you’ll know that he takes his kitchen duties very seriously, arriving at The Walton Community Care Centre every Wednesday at 11am (sharp!) to make sure the café is stocked, sparkling and ready to go.

Lennie’s life before Jewish Care Scotland was definitely one to write home about! He started his career journey as a Commis Chef at the British Transport Hotel, before long he was quickly promoted to Trainee Manager where he learnt the managerial ropes. Climbing the hotel career ladder took him to new heights across Europe – from Le George V in Paris to The Ritz in Barcelona. Lennie enjoyed the food, culture and weather abroad, always taking the time to learn the language of the country he was working in and making many international friendships.

Returning to Scotland Lennie worked for the St Enoch hotel which hundreds of guests passed through every week. He was a familiar face for guests and famous faces alike. As his team, the guests and people around him began to hear whispers of his impressive travels and multi-language skills, Lennie was never short of people asking questions! His favourite request came from Scott Simon of Glasgow Rangers Football Club in the 60’s, when he asked: “Mr Wilson, would you like to come to Spain with the club to interpret Spanish?” Of course, Lennie graciously accepted and enjoyed a trip to Spain with teddy bears!

Growth through volunteering…

Over the years Lennie has worn many hats around the organisation!

In summer 2023 Lennie organised, and hosted, the first Jewish Care Scotland discussion panel where he invited guest speakers from out with the organisation to the centre to get together and chat informally about subjects relative to the local community. The gathering proved to be very popular, with the first chat drawing in more than 50 individuals to join the Welcome Wednesday group and get involved with the discussions! This first discussion session broke JCS’s record for number of Welcome Wednesday attendees!

From last June there has been seven discussion events with over 15 guest speakers visiting to join the conversation and connect with one another. In the year since discussion topics have included: Promoting Positive Wellbeing, Where are we going as a Community and Congregation? and Digital Skills Learn for Life.

Talking is a natural form of connection which JCS and Lennie will passionately continue to offer, enabling fun, meaningful conversation and giving the community a chance to be heard!

From kitchen manager to chair of the discussion panel to spearheading golfing events at Bonnyton, Lennie is an integral part of the Jewish Care Scotland team.

Advice for future volunteers?

“Say yes to instructions! It’s not a job, enjoy the honour! Encourage friends and relations.” Short and sweet!