Forty friendly years

CONTACT the Elderly, which was started in London 50 years ago, now has 570 groups in many parts of the country, providing a Sunday afternoon tea party at the home of a different host each month.

There can be up to a dozen elderly people in each group, and every member is allocated a driver who transports and accompanies them to and from the event, and keeps in touch at other times, to ensure that all is well.

Ann Godfrey founded the Wootton Bassett Contact group 40 years ago, and subsequently set up a group at Swindon, where Alex Woodhead is the co-ordinator. Swindon now has two groups.

The Wootton Bassett group's special anniversary was celebrated this month with a splendid party at St Bartholomew's Church Hall, where local hosts were invited to join the elderly guests, and were thanked for their wonderful support, over the years.

Mary Rance, the charity's chief executive, who is based in London, was happy to attend, with her husband. She praised the many volunteer drivers and hosts, who provide pleasant venues and delicious food for Contact members, many of whom have few other opportunities to socialise, and look forward to these monthly treats.

Town crier Owen Collier announced guests' arrival, and they were also greeted by Royal Wootton Bassett's Carnival royalty. Certificates were presented to more than a dozen volunteers, whose period of service to the Wootton Bassett Contact group ranged from five to 40 years.

Mrs Rance paid tribute to Ann Godfrey's dedication and commitment in running the group for 40 years, "It's an amazing achievement," she said.