Hampers on wheels cheer old folk

Some of the Hemel stalwarts who helped with the "hampers-on-wheels" service - Christmas 1982

The girls in Data Preparation organised a 'Hampers-on­-Wheels' service just before Christmas to bring a little festive cheer to old folk in the Hemel area.

They raised over £100 with a collection among their col­leagues and used the money to pack nine food hampers with Christmas puddings, tea, butter, sugar, jams, tinned meats, fruit, biscuits, vege­tables and bottles of sherry.

They contacted the local branch of the Social Services and got a list of old folk in the area who had no relatives or friends and who therefore were preparing to spend a lonely and possibly a hungry Christmas.

Julie Olver, along with col­league Janet Fogden, drove round delivering the hampers to nine homes just before Christmas and spent some time with each of the occu­pants.

"The old people were really overwhelmed and it was a good feeling to know that we were able to provide them with a little comfort," says Janet.

Added Julie: "Everyone of them invited us in for a cuppa. They were glad to see visitors and have a bit of a chat with someone for a change."

Taken from BP Oil News - January 1983