52 Club

Anglia Television: Interview with Jean Jurack on her forming Club 52, a club which gives housebound people a new lease of life.

Close-up of a telephone ringing. Jean Jurack, founder of ‘Club 52,’ picks it up and answers it. The commentator explains that Jean Jurack is a telephone housewife with a regular bill that would make you turn pale. He explains that Jean provides a link to the outside world for over 300 old and disabled people in the Norwich area. Close up of Jean talking on the phone. He commentates that Jean knows what it is like to be cut off from society as a spinal injury left her housebound for almost all of her married life and she has spent many months at a time confined to her bed. Shot of Jane walking out of the room with the aid of a stick. Shot of a photograph of Jean with her Volkswagen ‘Herbie’ which was a gift from her mother to help her get out of the house. The commentator explains that this car would lead to a lot more than just trips around the country. Shot of a newspaper advertisement with the heading ‘Companionship.’ In June 1970, Jean put an advertisement into local Norwich papers asking if anyone would be willing to drive her places. Jean Jurack reads out the advertisement aloud. Shots of newspaper articles and responses to Jean’s article, with the commentator announcing that the response was amazing. Overnight she had over 50 offers of help, with people even offering to drive her in their own car. Close up of a newspaper article titled ‘Samaritans on Wheels.’ Jean says that of the 52 that applied she selected the 10 most suitable and asked them to come to her home where they discussed the formation of a club to get the housebound out of the house. This was the start of Club 52. Shot of cars in a line driving down the street. Shot of two men helping an elderly lady out of a car as Jean comments that in Club 52 they see their drivers as friends. Shot of two women walking arm in arm across the car park. Shots of various elderly people walking into the building. The commentator explains how the drivers are not just chauffeurs, but also friends. Jean takes great care in matching up the individuals. Shot of Jean interviewing a lady who wishes to become a Club 52 driver. She explains that she picked up one of the leaflets at the back of a church. Jean explains to the woman that the main aim of the club is to alleviate people’s loneliness. Shot of Club 52 members drinking tea and talking as the commentator explains that the jobs vary, such as having a monthly tea party. The work of Club 52 has spread and people all over the country are starting up similar groups. Interview with various members of the club with disabilities who say how wonderful it is and what a help it has been to them. Interview with a driver who explains their role and how they build up a wonderful relationship with their passengers. More interviews with passengers. Jean explains that she now works closely with Norwich Social Services department. Interview with Mr Rogers of Norwich Social Services Department. Shot of people handing out food. Shot of Jean’s living room with the phone ringing and Jean answering it. The commentator explains how the work snowballs with each month.

Keywords

Clubs: Club 52; Disabled People; Elderly; Loneliness; Samaritans on Wheels; Social Enterprises; Social Organisations; Social Services;

Background Information

Known as “Samaritans on wheels”, Club 52 volunteers are car drivers who offer housebound people transport to and from social events.