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For nearly 40 years the Rodney Stroke Club has brought together stroke survivors for fun, food and friendship-filled Friday mornings at the Red Beach Methodist Church hall. For many, it’s a highpoint of the week.
But the future looks uncertain, as two long-serving volunteer coordinators prepare to stand down, with no successors in sight.
Gaye Miller and Lillian Carde, both in their late 70s, have been sharing the role for the past 15 years. If replacements are not found, there are fears the club may have to close.
“It makes a real difference in the lives of people,” says Don Scandrett, general manger-northern for the Stroke Foundation. “I do worry that if they can’t get someone, it won’t be possible to continue operating.”
Many of those coming regularly to the club would probably find themselves staying at home more – or have to look for other things to do, he says.
“I don’t know what other options there are out there for them.”
Gaye and Lillian say sharing the responsibilities has worked well, and other volunteers have helped to carry the load, although none are able to step into the coordinator role.
“It needs somebody who just has a heart for people,” says Lillian. “It’s a wonderful, wonderful job. We’ve really enjoyed it.”
“We’ve done it for 15 years, and it’s time to pass it on to somebody younger,” says Gaye. “While we’re fit and able, I think it’s good to pass on to somebody else now, rather than wait until one of us can’t.”
They will happily mentor the next coordinators.
On a recent Friday morning, 14 members are playing indoor bowls, ably assisted by Gaye and Lillian.
Other volunteers, including Gaye’s husband Rod and Maree O’Connor – “she’s brilliant, she’s our right-hand lady”, says Gaye – are helping out in the kitchen, preparing a scrumptious-looking lunch of sandwiches, cakes, fruit, lollies and other treats.
Nearby another volunteer, Roy Steen, plays favourites on a keyboard, providing background music often drowned out by laughter and banter.
Members range from lively to frail, some needing significantly more help than others with the bowls. Bingo is planned for later, but first comes lunch, the arrival of a cake, and the enthusiastic singing of Happy Birthday for Gaye.
A longstanding member says grace ahead of the meal, and prays that the right person is found as the next coordinator.
Many in the group are very alert – the morning of the visit coincides with the announcement of the new government, and as news of the ministerial posts is read off a phone, it prompts some animated discussion.
The group has occasional outings, such as dinner and a film at the Hibiscus Village, or visits to places like the Navy Museum or Sheepworld. Birthdays are celebrated, and a Christmas bash is held at the last meeting of the year.
“It’s a fun thing,” Gaye says of the weekly gatherings. “For some of them, it’s the only day out in the week. And many just want somebody to talk to.”
Ray Miller, who suffered a stroke early last year, has been coming to the group for 18 months.
“It’s hard to put into words” what it means to attend, he says. “It’s friendly, a good lunch. I never played bowls or bingo ever before. We really enjoy it.”
“I’m independent but not that independent. They are all volunteers, excellent people. They do tremendous work.”
Ray says he sincerely hopes the group won’t close. If it did, it would “leave a huge gap”.
Info: contact Gaye on 021 410 462, Lillian on 021 268 7606 or Don Scandrett, Stroke Foundation Northern office on 09 478 0070.
