The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Winter can be the loneliest time for the elderly, but a Spalding institution brings them together every weekday.
The Spalding District branch of Age UK’s Sir John Geest Centre has now been bringing together those who otherwise would be left by themselves.
An army of around 50 mainly volunteers collects the pensioners and brings them to the centre on The Meadows.
Pictured are (from left) Hilda Savage, volunteer Mary Gould, May Holmes and Aileen Wadkins.
They receive tea and coffee on arrival and departure, and a hot meal for lunch amid games and companionship throughout the day.
The centre is named after the South Holland food magnate whose Charitable Fund contributed to the money raised to build it in 2000.
It’s now provided help and comfort to hundreds of elderly people over the last 18 years.
“There was nothing like this in Spalding for the elderly at the time,” said general manager Liz Walmsley. “The county council provided us with three rooms in which we could put sessions on but we had nowhere to store anything and had to take it home.
“We want to enable those that come to us to live a full life and enjoy their later years as much as possible.
“People can be so isolated and living on their own, even in Spalding.
“If they can’t get out they don’t see anybody and don’t interact with people apart from maybe a carer once a day.”
Staff and volunteers serve up dinner.
A typical day will see games played in the morning followed by more extensive games in the afternoon and on some afternoon entertainment acts will perform. Liz says the singsongs are particularly popular.
She continued: “Visitors can have a bath here if they wish and we have hairdressers and chiropodists visit.
“We also have a tuck shop where they can buy sweets.”
“There’s plenty of games for them to use, including team games.
“These can seem really simple such as throwing bean bags into holes, but that’s all about keeping their reflexes and hand to eye co-ordination and it builds team spirits.
“We also offer information and advice, for example in terms of healthcare or we find there’s many people not getting the benefits they’re entitled to.
“This is a hub to keep the elderly safe so they’re not being taken advantage of.”
There is a cost for those attending the centre of £23.50 a day which includes an ambulance or car pick up via one of the volunteers. A cheaper price is available for those who are dropped off.
Playing dominoes with new friends at the centre.
It’s clear how much those who attend value having the option of being able to attend.
May Holmes (83) used to be a volunteer along with her husband Michael (82) who used to pick visitors up – now she’s one of the visitors.
“I used to enjoy the company even when I was a volunteer here,” May said. “Now the company’s even dafter but in a good way.
“I love the games.”
Thomas Preston (90) said: “If I wasn’t here I would be sitting in the chair looking at the floor and walls.
“We get fed and we don’t have to wash up. I mainly come for the company.”
Ena Turner (87) visits with her husband Les. “We come for the company. We do things here that otherwise we’d just be watching people do on television.”
Hilda Savage (90) has been attending since April. She said “It’s reasonably priced and brilliant meeting these people. I’ve made a lot of new friends.”
Being involved in the Sir John Geest Centre is also rewarding for the many volunteers who give their own time to help the visitors and staff.
Jennifer Woodhall tucks in.
Mary Gould is one of those volunteers. “I enjoy coming,” she said when asked as to why she volunteers. “I think it’s rewarding as you’re helping other people and I think without volunteers the charity wouldn’t be able to provide the service they do.”
The John Van Geest Day Centre is open from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.
For more information you can contact them on
01775 720305 or visit the website www.ageuk.org.uk/spaldingdistrict
General manager Liz Walmsley
