Teddington and Hampton Wick Voluntary Care Group is celebrating 50 years of helping people in the local community. 

The group, set up in 1975, has about 40 volunteers who help 300 local elderly, infirm or housebound people by taking them shopping, driving them to appointments, picking up prescriptions, doing odd jobs, running errands and organising regular outings.

The group's Chair, Joan Downer said: "We are so pleased to be celebrating our 50^th year, but we couldn't do it without all our wonderful volunteers.

"Our clients are lovely, many in their 80s and 90s, and they just need a little bit of help to live happy, independent lives.

"And that's what we offer. We're just doing what a good neighbour would do."

The Teddington and Hampton Wick Care Group began when a local resident, Douglas Brown, set up a small support network for his neighbours in Harrowdene Gardens, Teddington.

He soon realised how many people needed a little help from others and he launched the beginnings of the group we see today. 

Douglas Brown founded the Teddington and Hampton Wick Voluntary Care Group in 1975 (Image supplied)

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Brown was awarded an MBE in 2008 for services to the community.

"Now we carry on what Douglas started," said volunteer Miriam Andrews.

 "I have been involved with the group for 25 years, and it is so rewarding to know you've been able to make a difference to someone's day, just by offering a little help.

"I now help on the twice-weekly shopping mini-bus, taking clients to local supermarkets. We help them shop and carry bags. But it's as much a social outing for the clients as they love to see each other and chat.

Volunteer Miriam Andrews helps on the group's twice-weekly shopping mini-bus trips (Image supplied)

"They are a joy to be with and have so many wonderful stories to tell about their lives in by-gone Teddington. They are always so appreciative of what we do." 

One of those clients is Shirley Meaker.

"They are wonderful," Meaker said of the volunteers.

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"They can't do enough for you, as well as coffee mornings and a Christmas Party there are always lovely outings to local places - they even take us cycling in Bushy Park in the summer on bikes supplied by Companion Cycling". 

The group is planning a big 50th anniversary celebration in June for all its clients and volunteers, with entertainment and a special afternoon tea. 

Joan Downer said: "It's going to be a wonderful afternoon, and a great way to say thank you to our volunteers and clients."

Anybody interested in volunteering for the group can contact them at [email protected] or call the group at 020 8943 3112.

You can also find out further details about volunteering and ways to donate via the group's website.

You can also donate to the group's Just Giving page by scanning this QR code (Image supplied)