Volunteers and staff say goodbye

BIRSTALL’S ST James Day Centre provides support and companionship for elderly people and those suffering from dementia.

Three volunteers and two members of staff have recently retired from the centre and were given cards, gifts and best wishes from service users.

Volunteers Rod and Theresa Newitt travelled from Loughborough every Tuesday to volunteer at the day centre. Rod worked as a driver for Age UK for 11 years prior to his retirement. He returned to volunteer in Birstall for the last seven years.

His wife Theresa joined him following her retirement from the NHS.

crossing patrol at Riverside School. She has also volunteered for Birstall Playgroup for Children with Additional Needs for 44 years! She has been a volunteer at the day centre for 30 years, having originally been involved in setting it up.

the second half with an Irish dance display!

Since they started giving the concerts in 2000, and combined with their virtual cycle rides during lockdown when the concerts weren’t possible, they have raised over £10,000 for LOROS, a charity that is close to their hearts.

Pics: by Dave Morris shows (l-r): Lady Gretton, Maureen, Faith and Rachael; (top) soloist Faith Lawson

A centre spokesperson said: “They are very valuable members of our Tuesday team, helping out with all aspects of the running of the centre. They are very well-loved by staff and group members alike. We hope they will enjoy a wellearned rest from their volunteering work. They will be hugely missed.”

Theresa said: “It’s been a joy to be here, the clients that we have are fantastic, they have such amazing life stories to share with us, and to see them smile and be happy makes my day.”

Volunteer Margaret Young is well known around Birstall for her role as

The centre spokesperson said: “Margaret has been a massive asset to the group. She travels on the bus, acting as a passenger escort, assisting the driver in picking up group members. She’s always ready with her mint humbugs as the passengers board the bus. She has also become very well known for her delicious homemade cakes. Tuesdays just won’t be the same without her. Margaret is such a lovely person and always puts the needs of others before her own. She, too, will be greatly missed.”

Day Centre Organiser Valerie Hall has had a long career in the care of the elderly, having been a care home manager for many years. She came to Age UK after the Leicester City Council residential homes were sold off. She started work at the day centre as the bath nurse for the bathing service. Following a staff vacancy, she took on the role of Day Centre Organiser.

The spokesperson said: “Val has brought her own cheerful and empathetic personality to the role over the last few years and created a safe and happy environment for the many members that have attended the centre over the last seven years.”

Val said: “I will miss the clients, they are like family, and it will be hard to say goodbye.”

Olwen Guildford worked in Age Concern’s Clarence House as a daycare supervisor in the 1980s. After a brief spell running a day centre in the private sector, she left to pursue a career with the RSPCA. She spent many years working at Woodside Animal Centre and latterly as an Animal Collection Officer working in the field alongside RSPCA inspectors. When her contract ended in early 2000, she took on various shortterm jobs, including working at the Platform Cafe at Leicester North Station of the Great Central Railway. Following redundancy when the cafe closed, she returned to Age UK as a Carer/Driver for St James Day Centre. She has become a familiar face driving around Birstall and surrounding areas picking up the people who come to the group. She is looking forward to having more time to spend with her family and two dogs.

Theresa said: “Olwen and Val have been a wonderful support to us as volunteers, they have always been there for us, no matter what.”

The St James Day Centre is operated by Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland.

It is located in the Village Hall, Birstall Road.

Mondays & Wednesdays

10am - 3pm

Offers transport: Yes

Hot lunch provided: Yes

Specialises in supporting people living with dementia.

Tuesdays

10am - 3pm

Offers transport: Yes

Hot lunch provided: Yes

Suitable for people living with dementia, mobility and personal care needs, mental health and learning disabilities.

A specialised assisted bathing service is available at the centre.

Free Taster Day

Try a free taster day so you can experience first-hand the kind of things you can do and discover all the facility has to offer. You are welcome to bring someone along with you, a friend, relative or carer.

To find out more, or to enquire about volunteering, contact 0116 222 0558 or email daycare@ageukleics.org.uk

BIRSTALL BOWLING Club will be taking part in Bowls England’s Bowls’ Big Weekend, which is being held later this month.

This is a national initiative to encourage new bowlers in particular to try out the sport and is an ideal opportunity to see what bowls has to offer following a successful Commonwealth Games for England’s bowlers last year.

The club, which plays on School Lane Playing Fields in the village, will welcome anyone who would like to have a go. The event takes place from Friday 26 to Monday May 29. Session times will be confirmed shortly, and details will be on our website and Facebook page, or you can call the numbers below. All equipment will be provided, you just need a pair of trainers or flat-soled shoes. Experienced players and coaches will be on hand to offer assistance if required.

You can sign up for the event at any participating club throughout the country and find out more information by visiting Bowls England’s website www.bowlsengland.com/bowls-big-weekend/

If you cannot make any of the sessions, please contact Diane on 0116 2676245 or Andy on 0116 2677969, and an alternative time can be arranged. More information can be found by visiting the website www.birstallbowlingclub.co.uk or by searching for our Facebook page.

From Birstall Bowling Club