Sidcup firefighters wirh Contact the Elderly guests

Sidcup Fire Station holds open day for the elderly

Robin Cottle, Reporter Wednesday, June 20, 2012
11:08 AM

Elderly residents in Bexley were invited to an open day at Sidcup Fire Station as part of a community initiative.

Around 50 elderly people and their volunteers from contact centres in Bexley, Bromley and Sidcup turned up to the Hadlow Road station.

It was organised by the firefighters themselves.

Hilda Green, 92, was a guest at the event. She said: “It was an absolutely marvellous afternoon. It has made me feel young at heart again. Where do I sign up?”

Guests visited the station’s museum, had the opportunity to ask firefighters questions and tried on their gear later in the day.

Refreshments were also provided by the station.

Sidcup watch manager Neil Fox said: “As firefighters we are in a unique position to be able to interact with large sections of the community. Older people are a group who are particularly at risk of having a fire and they are often forgotten about.

“We feel honoured to have hosted this tea party and it was a pleasure to bring smiles to the faces of so many elderly residents.”

Tea parties organised by Contact the Elderly are supported by a network of volunteers.

Drivers collect their older guests from their homes and accompany them to parties one Sunday every month and the hosts hold tea parties at their homes once or twice a year.

Contact the Elderly’s east London development officer Katy Szita said: “The fire fighters were very friendly and the older ladies loved chatting to them.

“Thank you so much to Sidcup Fire Station for hosting such a fantastic tea party for our older guests and volunteers.”

The charity is looking for more volunteers in the Bexley and Bromley groups.

Anyone interested in getting involved should call Katy Szita on 0208 530 0494 or email katy.szita@contact-the-elderly.org.uk.