Richard Quigley MP visited Abbeyfield House in Cowes this week to join the sheltered housing scheme for older people to celebrate the 70th anniversary of its operating body, Abbeyfield Living Society.
Kathleen, a resident of Abbeyfield House, was keen to take full advantage of Mr Quigley’s visit and invited him to join her for the completion of a special challenge she had set herself.
In keeping with the 70th anniversary theme, she had set herself the target of touching her toes 70 times on the day.
The MP for Isle of Wight West, who joined Kathleen for all the toe-touches, struggled to keep up with her. Even at the grand old age of 91, she took him by surprise with the speed and enthusiasm she demonstrated. Kathleen found it hilarious that Mr Quigley quickly became worn out, despite being 37 years her junior, and afterwards said that she could do it all again!
Abbeyfield, which was founded in 1956, is enjoying a year-long celebration of its 70th anniversary. Many of its residents, staff, volunteers and supporters in all of its care homes, sheltered housing schemes and independent living complexes for older people around the country, will be taking advantage of the occasion to put on special events, strengthen links with their local communities and achieve special accomplishments.
Following the completion of the challenge, Mr Quigley joined the other residents for coffee cake – arranged in formation to form the number 70.
They had the opportunity to quiz him about a range of subjects, and he was happy to answer questions on topics ranging from local transport on the Island, to schools, colleges, housing and some local challenges that people face on the IOW – like having to go to the mainland for medical treatment.
The house manager, Lois Rogers, said:
“I felt that he genuinely cared for the people on the Isle of Wight and would take forward local issues to parliament who also have links to the Island and general conversation about Government support.”
Makes a change seeing a Labour politician
mingling with the elderly, much better to mingle
than stop their winter fuel allowance.
Everyone gets old at some time in their life, sadly
some don’t!
Wrigley Qugiley member of the peado protection party at it again. Why does he not mention unemployment up council tax up tv licence up benefits spending up illegals immigration up ferry fares up borrowing up growth non existent inflation still high but wait my prescription charge is frozen just like my parents. No rather have a go at touchy toes about his level. Poor old Louis has well and truly been brainwashed ever time he moves his lips more bull**it flows out.
What island residents worry about heating and energy costs food prices and cost of living ferry fares and ferry reliability pot holes and the state of the roads jobs and unemployment doctor and dentist appointments. Good to see our Liebor mp working hard at touchy toes to rectify these problems not bad on 95k a year expenses.