Yesterday, ( Tuesday 27th July 2021) Unity supported by Love Andover and Smiths Hearing Care, organised a small social gathering for the older members of our community , where a cream tea and chat was enjoyed by about 20 local people. This took place at the White hart hotel in Andover, who supplied a yummy spread of high tea cakes with tea, coffee and juice.
Whilst speaking to the people who attended the event it was very clear, that this is what people have missed, being able to get out of the house, socialise and chat with others.
I especially enjoyed speaking to George during this event who used to be an Andover taxi driver, he had lots of stories to tell on local and famous passengers that he has ferried about during his working live time, and Lynne has travelled to many places due to her work with Lloyds during here working life. Isolation and loneliness are something we have been all made very aware of during the Covid lockdown , a lot of older people have been stuck in their homes with no one to talk to which is why these sort of events are so important to remind them they are still valued members of our community.
Everyone who came along were keen to do this sort of event again . This is the first of many events for the older generation in Andover that Nicky from Unity is planning to organise, she is looking for local venues who are willing to host a regular lunch club or coffee mornings. If this is something you can help her with please do send her an email, nicki.bunch@unityonline.org.uk
Unity is a registered UK charity working with local organisations to support vulnerable members of the Test Valley Community. With offices based in Romsey and Andover, they aim to bring people together.
Here are some of the photos that our Love Andover photographer Kevin Ridgeon, took during the event.
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