By David Annand – Crossroads Care Surrey’s Corporate & Community Relationship Officer
Last week, I had the absolute joy of meeting George whilst accompanying Claire, a Crossroads Care Surrey Volunteer, on her befriending visit to see him at his home. George was very pleased to see us – particularly Claire – as it was obvious to see that they have developed a strong friendship during her weekly visits.
Upon taking our seats in George’s small front room, where he lives alone, I took the opportunity to find out a little more about him, his life, his friendship with Claire and the remarkable fact that he will be 103 years old this year.
George was born in 1920; two years after the end of World War I. As we speak, George frequently uses the phrase “I was lucky” as he takes us through his life story. He was born an only child and believes that was a contributory factor as to why, all of these years later, he remains comfortable in his own company.
George describes his upbringing in the 1920s and early 1930s in Battersea, in rented accommodation shared with extended family, as secure and financially stable, “I was a lucky one” he tells us, because his father worked as a bus inspector and his family were protected from the poverty suffered by so many during a period of severe recession and mass unemployment.
For someone of 102 years of age, his memory is still very clear as he recalls stories of enjoying trips to the cinema, seeing his favourite comedian, Max Miller, and family holidays in Bournemouth before the war. He even recalls his grandad allowing him his first sip of beer at the age of six. “I was lucky” he repeats with a smile.
He recalls being called up for World War II service on the 30th May 1940 when he was just 20 years old – joining the 38th Signal Training Regiment Royal Artillery. It is at this moment he proudly takes to his feet to show us the five medals neatly displayed on his blue blazer – including the North African Star and the Italian Star. Briefly gazing at them, he says “I got to see parts of the world that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I’ve been lucky”.
George continues to regale us as he recalls meeting his future wife, Florence, during wartime – a Lancashire girl lovingly known as “Pat” – later adapted from George calling her “Pet”. They married in 1945, with George being demobbed in June 1946. They had two children – Janice, born in 1949, and Brian, born in 1950.
After the war, George worked for the post office for 10 years; firstly as a postman and then behind the counter. He recalls borrowing £95 in 1953 to buy his first car, a Vauxhall. George then joined the Ministry of Defence in the mid-1950s, where he continued to work until his retirement in 1982. His wife also retired at the same time, having worked for Phillips and having relocated from Lancashire to work for the company in London to enjoy family life with George who, by that time, was now living in Streatham.
George fondly recalls their first holiday abroad in 1968, driving through France to camp in Spain with friends and putting the tent up completely wrong much to the amusement of other campers. By 1977, they were still holidaying in Spain but by this time they had invested in a time share apartment.
In August 2000, Pat sadly passed away from Breast Cancer; which, by that time, had unfortunately spread to her spine. Quite incredibly, both of George’s children have also since sadly died in the last six years, both from dementia. For the last 23 years, George has lived alone.
Claire – George’s Befriender
Also sitting and listening to George speak is Claire, George’s befriender.
Claire is 40 years of age and is married with two young children.
Claire admits to having had no previous volunteering experience but decided to volunteer when, during lockdown, it became apparent that many elderly and vulnerable people in the community needed some help and company. When her eldest child started school and the youngest began part-time nursery, she decided to devote a few hours a week to befriend someone in need. It was by doing a simple Google search for local volunteering opportunities that she discovered Crossroads Care Surrey and was subsequently matched with George – who is her only client.
Claire tells us that she specifically wanted to be a befriender and she, like George, considers herself lucky to have met such a wonderful friend. For a couple of hours per week, they predominantly chat about their respective lives and when Claire’s children are around in the summer holidays, they too love to visit George where they take turns riding on his stairlift – much to his amusement.
As well as chatting, Claire says she does a few household chores for George – such as making his bed and putting washing in the airer. They sometimes venture out together, either to the supermarket or to the local pub where George likes to meet a friend for a beer.
They both really look forward to their Monday mornings together. “I love coming to see George” said Claire.
When I asked Claire what makes a good volunteer befriender she replied “You should be a good listener and willing to find out about the other person in order to become their friend.”
When I asked how being a befriender makes her feel, she said “It makes me happy and fulfilled. To do something for somebody else makes you feel good”.
For George, he just considers himself to be lucky. “My brain is still good and I’m lucky to still be reasonably mobile. I’m lucky to have a friend like Claire”, he said.
They say that friendship in adulthood provides companionship, affection, emotional support; whilst contributing positively to mental well-being and improved physical health. The friendship between George and Claire certainly bears testimony to that.
