Home delivery of Silver Salisbury 2020 afternoon teas

 

175 older people in Salisbury had a visit from a volunteer delivering afternoon tea on Silver Sunday October 4th, the first Sunday following International Older People’s Day.  This initiative by Irene Kohler Salisbury Older people’s Champion, celebrated Silver Sunday by taking afternoon tea to older people unable to get out and about or still isolating or shielding. The volunteers who delivered the teas said it was wonderful to see the pleasure on people’s faces when they answered the door finding someone on their doorstep with a delivery that was a treat, rather than essential shopping or prescription delivery. The teas were packed at the Pantry Partnership base in Victoria Park. Our photo shows Irene and Hayley organising the delivery. Irene was interviewed by BBC Wiltshire.

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Irene was also interviewed for Radio Odstock which you can hear here:

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As well as older people at home receiving a Silver Salisbury tea, Wessex Care Homes organised Silver Sunday teas in their five care homes in Salisbury with special entertainment by Craig of Engaging Activities

 

Irene said: “Silver Sunday was such a great day because of the enthusiasm and commitment of all the volunteers from different walks of life all over Salisbury.  They told us about neighbours who lived alone, they baked scones and cakes, packed the tea gift bags and delivered to all parts of the city by car, and in spite of the horrendous weather on foot and by bike including by  Benji of Co-delivery with his brand new Cargo bike.” 

 

Irene hopes that this initiative to celebrate International Older People’s Day will be just the lift that older people need to fortify them to get through the next few weeks with news from around the country bringing threats of a repeat lockdown. Irene says that it is clear from immediate feedback from recipients and volunteers that even if we can revert to our full Silver Salisbury programme of events next year, taking Silver Sunday tea to people at home must be a firm fixture on future Silver Salisbury programme of events.

 

Thank you to the City Council team based on Bemerton Heath, Contact the Elderly, The Pantry Partnership, the Silver Salisbury Planning Group and Safer and Supportive Salisbury Group, who all contributed to the event and a very special thank you to Hayley Alton, who was behind the successful organisation and smooth delivery.