So please tell me Thelma a little about your background ?
As a young child I was raised in Didsbury South Manchester and during the war we had to move home three times as we were bombed out which was quite an experience.But we survived and eventually I became a nurse met my husband and moved to Eccles.Working at Park Hospital for many years.
I believe you were a Midwife, how many babies did you bring into the world?
It must have been several hundred but it was hard work and in those days we had Matrons who kept a close eye on all the staff.But even after 15 years of retirement I meet people who say do I know you you're the lady who delivered my son and he is here with me and he's 30 years old.
How did you come to join Barton Ladies?
Well I have always been an active person and enjoy going out,meeting people,interacting.I believe its the best thing older people can do for their health and wellbeing.Sitting in the house is no good and thats the reason I joined Barton ladies.It's nice to get out meet friendly people, have a chat,laugh,sing and go home feeling uplifted and looking forward to the next coffee morning.
How has Barton Ladies changed your social life?
I have made more friends and we meet socially in Eccles for a bit of lunch or a coffee and we are always laughing,chatting.It's made me a much happier person.
What's the best thing about Barton Ladies?
There's no other club in Eccles where you are waited on with tea and coffees. It's the best club in Eccles for older people,the bingo,joking ,laughter and most of all good friendly people.
Do you think Barton Ladies could improve in any way?
I do not think so, everything about it is just about right. But I do think there should be more clubs like Barton Ladies to help older people to get out instead of sitting in their homes and make people more aware that these places exist.If people do not go out how are they going to be aware of what goes on in the communities
Many Thanks to Thelma For taking the time to talk.