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Kiren Sharma (centre) presenting vouchers to the centre
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Gravity Personel boss Kiren Sharma joins festive fun at Phoenix Day Centre

By Karen Jordan
December 24, 2012

The spirit of Santa Claus shone bright last Friday in the form of Reading businessman Kiren Sharma.

The Gravity Personnel boss joined the mayor of Reading and some 40 clients at Phoenix Day Centre in West Reading for a slap-up Christmas dinner, followed by a festive sing-a-long.

As well as making a donation in the form of supermarket vouchers to the council-run centre for elderly and vulnerable people in Amethyst Lane, kind-hearted Kiren also presented a case of wine.

Impressed with the centre, Mr Sharma said: “The staff and volunteers are absolutely excellent.

“Many have been there for a long time and are so good with the individuals who visit the centre.

“It was good to see everyone together, all nice and cosy, having a chat and enjoying the music.

“Sometimes older people can be lonely at Christmas, sitting at home on their own, so it was nice to see them out and about and singing along to the carols.

“I look forward to working with the centre in 2013.”

The event was well-received by centre clients, with Jane Parkes, 62, from East Reading, saying: “It was a very nice meal – you can’t fault the staff, they always do their best for us.”

Barry Walden, 64, from Southcote, added: “An excellent, delicious Christmas meal.”

And 79-year-old Terry Allen from Brock Gardens, West Reading, said: “It was a marvellous Christmas dinner followed by great entertainment.”

Phoenix Day Centre manager Tracy Newport said: “The event was a great success with plenty of food and laughter, ensuring everyone has a wonderful Christmas. All the staff worked hard to make it a very enjoyable day.”

Mayor of Reading, Councillor Jenny Rynn, said: “I was delighted to be invited to the Phoenix Christmas lunch which was delicious.

“The staff, carers and volunteers are an absolute godsend. They work so hard and the service users certainly enjoyed themselves.

“It is with grateful thanks to Kiren Sharma for his donation to the centre. He certainly has a kind heart.”

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There's a face missing from the photo. Is that because he is beavering away in the Civic Centre putting into action his plans to close the Phoenix Day Centre?