The First Event was attended by Bart Hellyer former Rutland High Sherriff, Peter Barley WO1 (ASM), St George's Barracks. Sue Renton, Project Manager and Oakham Mayor, Adam Lowe with attendees at the launch event at the Admiral Hornblower,
Oakham.
Rutland Community Spirit formally launched a new social group for older men – Mostly Men on Mondays, at the Admiral Hornblower in Oakham.
Mostly Men on Mondays has been created to give older men, who may
live alone and have a background in uniformed services, an opportunity
to enjoy the company of like-minded individuals at a regular social
group that meets on Mondays.
Rutland Community Spirit Project Manager, Sue Renton said, "Often
older men who live alone are reluctant to join social groups, so we
have initially tried to attract men with military backgrounds in the
hope that they will be able to encourage men from other walks of life to
join the group."
As well as swapping stories with
each other, members of the new group will be able to go on outings to
cricket matches and race courses, take part in gentle exercise and
listen to guest speakers - from RAF fighter pilots and serving personnel
at St Georges and Kendrew Barracks, to the experience of men serving in
the Coldstream Guards and Indian Army.
- Gerry Wells, 87 from North Luffenham served in the Royal Army Core and said, "I think it's a great idea as many of us have lost partners and are in the same boat. It's something to help fill the time."
- Bryan Charles Hamilton, 89 from Oakham was a flying instructor in the RAF and said, "A super idea. When you are single it's good to meet new people."
- Idris Evans, 97 served in the Royal Engineers and said, "After helping (Sir) Winston Churchill win the war I now live in Langham and have no neighbours and most of my friends are dead. I often spend days without seeing anybody."
The next Mostly Men on Mondays meeting is on Monday 3 June
at The Lodge, Stamford Road, Oakham LE15 6JX, 2-4pm. If you or
someone you know is interested in joining Mostly Men on Mondays, contact
Christine Ward on 07553 304696, or email cward@ruralcc.org.uk.
Directions to The Lodge.
Rutland Community Spirit is a BIG Lottery funded charity set up
in 2008 to provide practical and dependable support for vulnerable, or
isolated people over the age of 60.
For more information contact Project Manager: Sue Renton, tel
01572 720282 / srenton@ruralcc.org.uk or visit the Rutland Community
Spirit website.
