\u201cI CRIED when I realised how some people treat their elderly relatives,\u201d said Marta April, a volunteer with Bedford\u2019s Hope in a Nutshell project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
April became aware of the plight of many community seniors when she retired recently af-ter many years of work at the Farm Butchery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She feels that by joining a project that nurtures seniors in body and mind, she will be able to help make a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n Mid-Karoo Express <\/i>met her and fellow volunteers, Regine Elliot and Glenda Billet, at St Joseph\u2019s Hall as they prepared a stimulating programme and lunch for 40 senior citizens last week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The menu included tea with scones and sandwiches, followed later by roast chicken and veg-gies, then malva pudding (donated by The Village Farmstall).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meetings (with tea and eats) are held every Wednesday. Lunch is added to the programme mid-month. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut this is not a soup kitchen,\u201d Elliot stressed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur aim is to add interest and new friends to the lives of senior citizens. We give them a stimulating social date to enjoy once a week.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Project leader, Leonard Koester, showed Mid-Karoo Express<\/i> the programme of activities and talks which have been scheduled for the weeks to come. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mini vegetable gardens and hand crafts are included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are also plans for holiday programmes for youngsters to keep them busy and stimulated while school is closed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The team has the experience and expertise for a fairly sophisticated level of social intervention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
During working hours, Koester is a highly qualified professional nurse and currently acting CEO of the Bedford Hospital. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elliot has many years\u2019 experience working with child-centred programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyone who is keen to help can contact Estelle Gathercole at 072 226 4177.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u201cI CRIED when I realised how some people treat their elderly relatives,\u201d said Marta April, a volunteer with Bedford\u2019s Hope in a Nutshell 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