Meet Richard and Elaine

Richard has Parkinson's and attends our day opportunities every week. He has struck up a lovely friendship with our day opportunities volunteer Elaine and here they interview each other about their lives and their work.

Elaine interviews Richard

'One of my great passions is the music of Chuck Berry. Long live Rock and Roll!'

I was born in Gloucester where my father was a Unitarian Minister and my mother an art teacher. I grew up in Liverpool and later in Leeds. Much to my surprise I qualified to read history at Oxford University thanks to Leeds City council who paid my fees. After university I qualified as a librarian then followed a career in public and academic libraries – eventually becoming Director of the London Research Centre. In this exciting role I worked for many of the County Hall politicians, including Ken Livingstone. My last post was Keeper of Printed Books at the Imperial War Museum – a fascinating place where I was able to help with the research for various exhibitions.

I have travelled abroad a considerable amount as a representative of British Libraries and for pleasure.

I married my wife, who comes from Beijing, China, in the UK and have really enjoyed visiting her family in China – Shanghai and Bejing being favourite places. The people are very welcoming, and I like their way of life.

One of my great passions is the music of Chuck Berry. Long live Rock and Roll!

I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and I find it very frustrating. I have always loved reading, but this is now very difficult.

On Thursdays I come to the Anne Owens Centre where I spend the day with some marvellous people. As well as conversation, we enjoy different activities including singing, yoga, crafts and quizzes. There is a lot of laughter especially when playing our own version of table football - one of my favourite activities.

I have watched new people who feel nervous at first be welcomed by everyone else and quickly become part of the group.

Richard interviews Elaine

'I volunteer every Thursday and I love it!'

I was born in Neath, Wales. The one thing I have in common with Richard is that we are both children of ministers. My parents were Salvation Army Officers. It is not straightforward to say where I was brought up! It was the Salvation Army way to move officers every two years so I lived in Belfast, Paisley, Rutherglen, Weymouth, Stockport and Birmingham before arriving in London when I was 16.

After leaving university I qualified as a social worker working in various settings with the Boroughs of Brent and Harrow. After 20 years I moved to the voluntary sector working for Age Concern and then The Salvation Army. My last role was as Director of Older People’s Services for The Salvation Army where I was responsible for 12 residential care homes and for the churches community work with older people throughout the UK.

I finished work 12 months ago – determined not to ‘retire’ but to find opportunities to volunteer. The timing was perfect as Age UK Barnet were starting the Day Opportunities Services. I volunteer every Thursday and I love it! It is hard to say what I like most. There is a wonderful mix of people who attend and I enjoy all the conversations that we have. There is a lot of laughter, and we generally end the day with singing. I may not sing well but I sing with enthusiasm!!