Barbara Wells
What’s your role at St Martins?
I visit St Martins once every fortnight and I lead the Bingo Club and I really enjoy it. While playing bingo the residents can indulge in cakes and biscuits with a nice cup of tea.
It’s all about team work; I don’t run the group on my own. For instance, we all contribute towards the raffle presents and go shopping in Maidstone to buy nice smellies and small gifts, and some people donate unwanted presents. That means that we can give everyone a small present every time for taking part. I think the residents really appreciate that.
What do you enjoy about being a volunteer Bingo leader?
I love the socialising part, meeting up with people, getting to know the people we play Bingo with. I’ve known some of the residents for years -I’ve grown older with them. I also used to know some of the residents before they came in to St Martins, so they’re dear friends of mine.
I believe if you’re going to do something you’ve got to do it properly. Some people don’t like to do something for nothing but I feel privileged doing a good job. My heart is in it so I always do my best.
I suppose in some ways people might say I’ve led the most adventurous life but my goodness it’s been so fulfilling. I wouldn’t want to give it up.
Why did you start volunteering?
I’ve been an active volunteer for a variety of different causes and organisations. Before starting at St Martins I used to participate with a mobile library service visiting people’s homes.
I suppose you could say I inherited the post of Bingo Leader in 1983. It was previously run by the WRVS who could no longer continue the work so they asked if I could continue the tradition and take it on. I wanted to keep it going – I saw how much the residents enjoyed it so I’ve been doing it ever since.