Barton volunteers and clients past and present filled their village hall on Saturday for ‘Silver Jubilee’ celebrations marking their good neighbour group’s sterling achievement.
Everyone enjoyed getting together over a fabulous full-works three course Afternoon Tea served on beautiful china, all rounded off with a slice or two of the spectacular Jubilee Cake.
Justine Hunt, from Beds RCC’s GNS Support Team, presented the group with their ‘Magnificent Milestone’ certificate. Individual Certificates of Achievement went to Anne Stiles (co-chair, original member and longest serving volunteer) and Tracy Gillespie (co-chair, with amazing organisational skills which keep the group running smoothly).
Thanks were also given to the group’s previous chairs – Peter Jones (founding member who led the group for nearly 20 years) and John Ellis (who ran a very successful recruitment drive) and all the other volunteers and clients involved over the years.
Regular clients Ken and George said what a difference being able to call on the group has made to their lives. George is almost the same age as the group and has known them since childhood. Both agreed the group is almost “a bit like extra family.”
As well as the lifts, shopping and other requested activities, Barton Helping Hands also run a regular Community Café session with delicious refreshments, entertainment and guest speakers – so popular, it has moved to a larger room and the local walking group now finishes its walks there.