Abingdonian 2017

42 The Abingdonian Community Service As part of the Community Service programme Abingdon students have had the opportunity to visit many local hospitals and a sensory garde, residential homes for the elderly, primary schools, charity shops and even an exercise group for older people. These are some of the opinions of those involved: It has been a pleasant experience to visit the elderly. The residents were very enjoyable to talk to and were very interesting seeing that their competitive spirit to win was still burning as strong as ever in their old age. Even though we beat them in some aspects such as science and maths they nearly trumped us in every other aspect, from TV shows to music from the 1980s. This really gave me an insight into their lives as it clearly rejuvenates their memory. I hope they enjoyed our company as much as we enjoyed theirs. The tea party was also a great opportunity for us to interact with the elderly, and for them to interact between themselves. Overall this was a fantastic experience and I look forward to returning next year. Anderson Lai, 3AJM Having been helping out at Old Station House these past four years I’ve started to feel a little bit like part of the furniture - I have watched cohorts of third years come and go once a term, and been able to see how different boys get on with the residents. It must be said, some are better than others but it is a marvellous thing when one of the boys really hits it off with one of them. I had that with Tony, and have enjoyed my weekly games of crib with him - even though I’m convinced he cheats. I will really miss the termly tea parties when I leave, as they have always been such lovely events. I can only hope that a few decades down the line, I’ll get wheeled in for a slice of cake and a cup of tea. At any rate, I have got so much out of my involvement in Abingdon community service over the years, and hope that in the future I will be able to find the time to do some volunteer work. Archie Williams, VIMAS I have volunteered at Bridge House and Abingdon Community Hospital. I think Community Service this year has been very fun and interesting. Talking to new patients every week has really helped me develop my communication skills, and I have also learnt a lot from listening to the elderly talk about their life experiences. Anthony Yang, 6BW Much of my time at former primary school was spent at after school club, where I would while away the afternoons reading Star Wars annuals, playing football, and doing plenty of other things. One of the highlights of my time here, and the people I would always look forward to seeing were Abingdon sixth formers Rob and Steve, who would come in on a Wednesday and play football, and occasionally rounders on the field with us. When they went, I was devastated. This year, I wanted to return to my after school club, and and have (hopefully!) benefitted others with my own energy and enthusiasm. It has been an enormously enjoyable, and rewarding experience, which I would highly recommend for anyone. I have developed amazing bonds and friendships with the people that go there; being able to entertain someone whether through a game of football or ice hockey, a discussion about Pokemon or Go fish, or anything else, has all been great fun. One boy even gave me a friendship bracelet which I still treasure. I feel like a valued role model for the boys, and I hope one day that one of them will return. It has been a fantastic experience, and I hope anyone reading this considers it; I have enjoyed it so much and I intend to return next year. Ben Ffrench, 6RP