CAMEO for Senior Citizens

The first initiative to take advantage of the re-ordered St John the Baptist Church at Itchen Abbas was CAMEO. Senior citizens Come And Meet Each Other on the third Tuesday of every month. A short communion service offers an opportunity to participate in a church service for those who find the normal services difficult to get to or intimidating. The service is followed by a lunch to cement the pleasure of an outing. The idea was devised by Andrew Micklefield and Lavinia Owen and has succeeded in bringing in a large number of new church goers among the elderly. It is non denominational and open to the whole parish. Regular visitors now include those who have moved to local care homes and helpers.

Following the upgrading of the vestry/kitchen, the group of a dozen or so willing helpers are able to serve hot meals rather than having to bring in heated containers. CAMEO does not ask for payments, but is able to be self-supporting through the generosity of many of its members, which also allows special Christmas and Easter meals to be enjoyed.

For further information contact Lavinia Owen on 779162

Nick Owen