Cafes and News
Community Cafés for Older People
New Social Group in Tadley
We have a new Social Group in Bishopswood Court, Tadley, running every Thursday from 1:45pm to 3:45pm.
Good News for Basingstoke NeighbourCare
A very BIG THANK YOU!
A very big Thank you to Barratt Southern Counties who donated £1000 to Basingstoke Neighbour Care. This generous donation will help to support us to continue to offer our service for over 500 elderly people and around 100 volunteers.
Good News for Basingstoke NeighbourCare
Basingstoke NeighbourCare receives the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service from the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire
Basingstoke NeighbourCare were honoured to recently welcome the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq. to a special gathering of Basingstoke NeighbourCare volunteers at the Apollo Hotel. At the event, the Lord Lieutenant, together with the Mayor of Basingstoke Cllr Onnalee Cubitt and Sean Keating a former Mayor were in attendance, when Mr Atkinson was able to finally present the Queen’s Award in person, after it was awarded during lockdown, in June 2020. The small group present was able to witness receipt of a signed certificate from Her Majesty the Queen, and a crystal award with the QAVS insignia.
This is a tremendous achievement which recognises the dedication, excellence and compassion of our volunteers who have continued to provide a service throughout the pandemic. While the award was made before Covid, it is recognition of the efforts and flexibility many of the volunteers have demonstrated which makes Basingstoke NeighbourCare the success it is. We all feel very honoured to be a part of an organisation receiving such a prestigious award.
Thank you to our Volunteers
21st ANNIVERSARY EVENT
September 2018 marked the 21st year of Basingstoke NeighbourCare. A tea party celebration was held at the Anvil. Present were the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, NeighbourCare Patron Lady Portsmouth and the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane.
Basingstoke NeighbourCare chair Colin Hunsley said: “I would like to thank our drivers and all the other wonderful volunteers who provide our driving and befriending service. They are what make this charity a success, without them we would be nothing. I would also like to thank our Coordinators who provide the glue that links the clients and their requirements to the volunteers who provide the services.”
The event was attended by people who have been with the charity for many years including Gerald Merritt who has been a volunteer driver for 14 years after spotting an advert in the Gazette. Gerald said: “It’s so interesting to do as you get to meet so many different people, I really could fill a book with the stories I get told. “You really get to know the people that you drive around and for some people you are the only other person they will see that day and they really open up to you. They always appreciate us, and we are lucky to have this service here.”
Borough Mayor Cllr Sean Keating, who was a volunteer driver with NeighbourCare for 10 years, after he took early retirement, said: “I’m delighted with how NeighbourCare is now. It is very well organised, and it was great fun when I was doing it.
The Celebration Tea Party was attended by 100 volunteers, previous staff and Trustees, associated charities including Basingstoke Voluntary Action and members of the County and local Council. A special Celebration Cake was enjoyed by everyone.
Download previous newsletters
Basingstoke NeighbourCare Newsletter October 2018