How Tavistock volunteers are helping keep Abbeyfield’s community spirit alive

From coffee mornings to quiet chats, two local volunteers show how a little time can make a big difference.

A legacy of compassion

Margaret Aston first volunteered with Abbeyfield back in 2007 in Fareham, Hampshire, because she shared the philosophy of the organisation’s founder, Richard Carr-Gomm, who worked to combat loneliness in older people. 

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When she later moved to Mary Tavy, she didn’t hesitate to find out about helping at Drake Lodge, their Tavistock home.

Drake Lodge is a large, welcoming building, part Victorian and part modern, with a peaceful garden where residents can relax. 

Eighteen residents live there, sharing spaces such as the dining hall, coffee room and Woburn Room, which buzz with conversation and activity.

“There’s a real family atmosphere here,” Margaret says. “It’s a lovely place to spend time.”

Most Thursdays, Margaret pops in for the coffee morning, chatting with residents and helping with refreshments. 

On this particular morning, conversation drifts happily between pets, memories of past events and an impressive teddy bear collection.

“I find the flexibility of volunteering here is great,” she says. “There’s always something to do and someone to talk to. It’s such a friendly group and I feel like I can pop in any time for a chat.”

Volunteering that gives back

As well as the coffee mornings, Margaret lends a hand at talks, events and days out. She has seen volunteering change over the years.

“When I started here, there were several volunteers and we even ran a social committee to organise events, like Christmas workshops and trips,” she recalls. 

“Now there are only a couple of us. Volunteers get older too. Some had been coming for over 20 years and were older than some of the residents!”

Despite this, her motivation remains simple and powerful - “It gives me a sense of purpose.”

And Margaret rarely comes alone. Every Thursday, she brings along her Jack Russell, Lottie.

“She’s almost like a therapy dog,” Margaret laughs. “The residents love her, though I think she gets more out of it than anyone else. She’s spoiled rotten with attention and everyone sneaks her biscuits!”

Lottie, aged two and a half, is clearly a star of the morning, enjoying fuss from resident June and enthusiastically performing for treats supplied by fellow volunteer Rotha.

“You don’t need special skills - just time”

Making the tea and coffee that morning is Rotha Mann, who has been volunteering at Abbeyfield for 10 years. 

When she first started, Margaret was her mentor, and they have since forged a long-lasting friendship.

“It’s very relaxed here,” Rotha says. “It’s nice to see regular faces and to know you’re making a difference to people’s later years.”

ABOVE: Volunteer Rotha, making tea's and coffees!

Before Abbeyfield, Rotha volunteered for eight years with Storybook Dads at HM Prison Dartmoor in Princetown, recording fathers reading stories for their children. 

When that voluntary project ended, she looked for another way to give back and found Abbeyfield.

“You don’t need any special skills to volunteer here,” she says. “The most important thing is your willingness to share your time and make a connection.”

An open invitation

For Margaret and Rotha, volunteering isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about showing up, listening, laughing and being part of a community. 

In return, they’ve found friendship, purpose and the quiet satisfaction of knowing they matter.

As Abbeyfield continues Richard Carr-Gomm’s legacy, there’s always room for more people to get involved, whether it’s making tea, sharing a conversation or supporting days out.

If you have a few hours to spare and would like to find out about volunteering opportunities to suit you, please contact your local Community Engagement Co-ordinator at dawn@westdevoncvs.org.uk.