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Lloyd Coombes |
A date with the Queen for ‘Johnny Clash’
BY night he’s an Islington DJ who goes by the nickname “Johnny Clash” – but by day he’s organising sing-alongs among the borough’s old folk.
Lloyd Coombes, 52, has finally been recognised for his fantastic work with old people with an MBE awarded by the Queen.
The man famous for bringing music, art and fun to OAPs manages two day centres, the Alsen Day Centre on Durham Road, Holloway, and the New Park Day Centre in Highbury New Park, Highbury.
He is also vice-chairman of Islington Music Forum and as a DJ plays his favourite Nashville sounds at various gigs and events.
Lloyd, who collected his award from Buckingham Palace last week, describes on his MySpace website how he “came dancing out of the womb in 1955 to Elvis Presley”.
He said: “I feel incredibly privileged and proud to accept this award.
“I told the Queen that it is not only an award for me – but for everyone in Islington Council’s Adult Care Services.
“Without the dedication of my staff this would not have been possible.”
Lloyd added: “ Our day centres are fun. People can do music courses, learn poetry and we also organise visits from artists. They are places where old people are given a voice.”
His focus on older people’s care started early on during his career, developing an empathy for people with various disabilities while working at the Whittington Hospital as an ambulance driver in the 1970s.
He then started his first job at a day centre caring for older people with dementia, where he was inspired by the richness and diversity of their varied life experiences.
He also praised officers from Islington Council for welcoming his ideas and projects with enthusiasm, and letting him be creative in the management of the centres.
Lloyd, of Centurion Court, said: “I love working in such a diverse borough like Islington, and listening to people’s stories from so many different backgrounds.”
The MBE came as Islington’s adult care services got the highest rating possible last month by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), the independent social care watchdog.
Cllr John Gilbert, Islington Council’s executive member for social care and health, congratulated Lloyd on his achievement.
He said: “His MBE and last month’s inspection report on care home and services (CSCI) recognise the enormous effort our staff have put in to transform the service into an excellent one.” |
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