It was wet and miserable outside. Inside it was vibrant, happy and fun. The Greeno was positively bustling and was brimming with positivity.
I had been invited down to see the new welding in action at the Men in Sheds (see article later in issue). Also to meet Amy, the relatively new hairdresser, and to see the paintings which had been done by Peggy Pickering’s art group to brighten up the walls of the salon. But what I got that wet and miserable morning was so much more.
Let’s start with Amy. She took over the salon at the end of last summer. She is a busy lady. She was dealing with three customers when I was with her and a steady stream kept arriving. Many come every week for a wash and blow dry. Some leave partners to the expert care of the Alzheimer’s unit upstairs while they enjoy some pampering. Amy’s cheerful chatter sends clients off home with a boost of positivity.
Human interaction is key to staying on track at any time of our lives, but even more important in later years. A survey last year found that one million people aged over 70 and living alone claimed not to have had any contact with another human being for a month. That is truly shocking. Thank goodness for a facility like the Greeno on our doorstep. Amy has a special touch with her clients, making each one feel special and cared for. She works Monday – Thursday from 9am-2.30pm. Appointments are advised, but she was take walk in’s if she has a spare moment.
There was a bustle in the centre while I was there. One member asked me if he could show me his paintings. David has been coming to the Greeno for 18 months or so and described it somewhat emotionally as his lifeline. It gives him reprieve from issues in daily life. Members can spend the whole day at the centre. There are keep fit classes, crafts, games, singing and dance. Local Jess Edgar, who has launched drama classes for children, is also offering drama for the older generation. The opportunities seem endless.
This particular morning the fitness class was attended also by members of London Irish Rugby Club who had come along to do their bit for the community. They were also interacting with other members as can be seen from the photo! I have never seen an elder scrum before, but I have now! They were clearly loving it.
Racing around the scrum was also Rosy the PAT dog. Pets as Therapy is a well known organisation arranging for suitable animals to visit centres such as the Greeno. Animals bring a smile to people’s faces. Rosy the lab was enjoying chasing a ball around the room (dodging rugby players) and the members were enjoying throwing the ball for this happy pet. There was lots of positivity in this room.
Down the corridor, Karen Meers (unmistakably Pat White’s daughter), had finished the exercise class and was now starting on a back and shoulder massage on one of the members. As well as running the fitness classes and gym sessions, she is a trained holistic masseuse and has a steady stream of clients in for full body treatments to just hands and feet. This aids circulation as well as helping with aches and pains, not to mention giving a feeling of well being.
Karen has achieved great success with some of the stroke patients. One lady was in a wheelchair a year ago, but is now able to walk on her own.
The services and care on offer at the Greeno are second to none. Every member is treated as a special person. Staff all give their time and care. Pat and Vanessa are constantly attending to members needs. Often just words of encouragement and interest mean the most.
Lunch is served every day to over 40. It means a hearty warm meal taken in company. Much more fun that eating alone at home.
There is always room for more members and if you live alone, it would be a shame not to take advantage of this fantastic facility. Membership is only £15 per year. If transport is a problem, then Pat and Vanessa are looking for solutions to help. They are trialling a bus service picking up at Vinter Court, Shepperton Court and the Village Hall between 10-10.30 on a Wednesday and delivering you to the Greeno. Please contact them direct to register your interest in this service, or to find out about joining if you are not already a member.
There is no need to be lonely if you live around here.
The Greeno Centre
Glebeland Gardens
Shepperton, TW17
Tel 01932 246173