Remembering Ruby

Ruby was well known in the local community as an active member of St Barnabas Church, a founder of the Peabody Avenue and Close Gardening Club, and as a regular at Thamesbank Community Centre's Encouragement Through the Arts and Talking programme (ETAT).

More about Ruby

Ruby was born in S Block in Peabody Avenue and lived in a family of 10 children until they were evacuated in WWII. She returned after the war with her family and moved to E block in 1965. Ruby worked as a shop assistant at Harrods and as a dinner lady at Churchill Gardens Primary School.

Ruby was one of the first people to take part in ETAT at our Thamesbank Centre, a group that meets twice a week and encourages isolated people living on and around the Peabody estate to spend time together and be creative.

Peabody resident Jane, who manages the programme, told us:

"Ruby has taken part in all that we have had to offer. She enjoyed the arts and craft sessions. She would embrace every session from teaching people to knit with Doris, creating and selling artwork, choir singing, festival parades to rap music and so much more, she had the have-a-go attitude.

"With a wicked sense of humour Ruby was such fun. She often spoke for the members at events to say how ETAT and the friendships she formed had enhanced her life. She will be missed and fondly remembered for her red lipstick and determination to embrace each day as it comes."

Ruby's son, Steve, shared how important ETAT was to Ruby and the positive impact that being part of a programme was. "That was her world," he said. "She was an extrovert and caring, she was well known and really enjoyed socialising."

Although she lived in a flat she enjoyed gardening. Her home was full of flowers and she was a founding member of the residents' Peabody Avenue and Close Gardening Club, who said:

"She brought great wit and spirit to the organisation. At 97, she was also an advocate for the elderly and their needs. She was instrumental in creating the woodland garden on Peabody Avenue, also known as Ruby's Garden. She lived most of her life on the Peabody estate and was a valued member of the community. She will be sorely missed."

Once the Coronavirus restrictions are lifted, there will be a celebration for Ruby at St.Barnabas Church and the Thamesbank Community Centre. Find out more about the great work ETAT does here.