News
downsmail.co.uk Serving up a happy retirement
WHEN it comes to care in the community, Headcorn has much to be proud of. Its High Street businesses,
churches and charities have done much to dispel themyth that people risk living in isolation growing old in a village. In fact, Headcorn is earning itself a reputation as a friendly place to live a long and happy retirement. Its weeklyWednesday lunch, or-
ganised by Eldercare, is just one of the home-grown activities enjoyed by the retired; offering a guaranteed hotmeal one day aweek, entertain- ment and a raffle at the village hall – and all for just £4. The charity,
whichwas created by villagersMal- colmandMollyRound,because they feared there was little for the elderly in Headcorn, is now celebrating 33 years in operation. Since itbegan,EileenHalehasbeen
at thehelm, runningawell-oiledship that serves lunch to up to 40, thanks tothehelpofhalf-a-dozenvolunteers who prepare the food at home. Eileen, pictured fourth from left
with volunteers, said: “We’re all re- tiredvolunteerswho’ve beenusedto cooking for large families andwe get a huge amount of reward doing this. We couldneverhave imaginedthat it would still be going 30 years on.” The charity receives support from
the likes of Sainsbury’s inHeadcorn, which provides the turkeys for Christmas Day, and donations from organisations including Rotary. Eileen, who plans to retire herself at Christmas, says: “Eldercare is a vital ingredient of village life, helping the
What diners say
REES Dobson (91) drives to the vil- lage fromMaidstone everyWednes- day for lunch. The formerNavy PT instructor told
DownsMail: “Imoved fromWales to Maidstone because I was lonely in the hills aftermywife died, but found I was still lonely. By chance, Imet a man fromHeadcorn in hospital who told me about Eldercare and now we’re friends and I haven’tmissed a lunch since.” Lunchmate Maureen Davies (95),
who lives independently and still drives, agrees. “I felt too young to at- tend a club for the elderly, but it has been the best thing I’ve done since moving to Headcorn 11 years ago. You have to get involved; things won’t come to your door.” Jean Farrow (97) and Daphne Dobson (91), live in the village and
elderly to continue living independ- entandsocial lives. I can’twait totake aplaceontheother sideof thedinner table and bewaited onmyself.” The lunch club is keen towelcome
any new retired members. Call Eileen on 01622 890400.
Eileen Hale (centre) with (fromleft) Daphne Buckle, Rees Dobson,Mau- reen Davies and Jean Farrow
look forward to their weekly chance to chat and, of course, the fantastic food. Together, the group agrees: exer-
cise, a modest lifestyle (preferably without alcohol or cigarettes) a job thatmakes you happy, an active so- cial life and good neighbours and – of course – genes, are the secret to a long and happy life.
Antique & Fine Art Auctioneers
• Free valuations • Regular fine & general auctions • Probate & Insurance specialists • Home visits
Eileen Hale (fourth from left) and vol- unteer helpers serve up
Kids Holiday Club Wednesday 25th July – Friday 31st Aug (exc 27th Aug)
Sessions from 8am-6pm Lots of fun activities
Speak to our specialists about selling your antiques
0800 881 5691
clientservices@gorringes.co.uk
15 North Street - Lewes - BN7 2PE
www.gorringes.co.uk 10 Maidstone Weald July 2018
Call 01622 749404 to book
www.maidstoneymca.org.uk
Maidstone YMCA, Melrose Close, Loose, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6BD Find us on SUPPORT & ADVICE ACCOMMODATION FAMILY WORK Charity Number: 1110087 HEALTH & WELLBEING TRAINING & EDUCATION
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