Grantham Journal
ELDERLY people in the Grantham area who have been at a loss since a support service was closed are pleased to have a replacement.
Many were left distressed when the Lincolnshire County Council-funded charity ‘Community Care For The Elderly’ came to an end in March.
Now, the launch of ‘Spriteleys’ has given them a lifeline.
The new service, run by charity Adults Supporting Adults (ASA), launched on Thursday at the village centre in Great Ponton.
Pensioners played bingo, entered raffles and joined in a sing-along by the organ, before sitting down for lunch.
Service-user Horace Robinson said: “It’s a day like today that I thank God. If it wasn’t for this voluntary service, life would come to a standstill.”
Edith Rickett added: “I’ve met two very dear friends and we had a happy reunion at the party.”
Mayor of Grantham Mike Taylor was among the special guests at the launch, emphasising the importance of the service by describing it as “the spirit to get together”.
Spriteleys runs at Witham Place in Grantham on Tuesdays, at Central Place in Grantham on Wednesdays, and at Great Ponton Village Centre in Great Ponton on Thursdays, all 10am-3pm. A fourth group will meet in Angel Court in Ancaster on Mondays, once more volunteers come forward.
Members pay £10 per session which includes transport and day trips.
To find out more about volunteering, call ASA on 01529 416270.
