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Debby has been out and about spreading the Time Bank word over the past month. You might have seen her at the Greener Living Roadshow in the Bouverie Hall in Pewsey, or at the event to promote community groups on 28 March. A lot of people picked up information leaflets and application forms and were generally very interested in finding out about the Time Bank, so let’s hope that we’ll be signing up more members soon. As ever, if you’re interested in finding out more about the Time Bank, contact Debby (01672 564140).

The Time Bank has been working with Meadow Court in Pewsey, an extra-care housing scheme for older people. We’ve had one highly enjoyable coffee morning, which we hope to make a regular event. The residents are developing ideas about activities they’d like, which we hope the Time Bank can help to deliver, and other residents would just like someone to visit and chat to them.

The Thursday evening “English Club” for speakers of other languages is going well – we have half-a-dozen Time Bankers who turn up as and when they can, and about ten semi-regular learners. For about an hour and a half there’s a chance to practice speaking English for learners of varying levels of skill and confidence in a very friendly and informal setting. We’ve got people from Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Spain and the Philippines who are getting out, making friends, and (we hope) having fun. There are usually biscuits on offer (or cake, or a rather nice Hungarian supper dish – a herby/paprika-y - cheesey thing, spread on bread – highly recommended!). We’re very grateful indeed to the PACT centre staff who keep the centre open a little later on those evenings – it’s much appreciated.

All these activities by and for TB members means that we’ve totted up 197 hours (going up all the time) of voluntary activity – which is 394 hours in Time Bank calculations, as receiving and giving service are of equal importance. Member numbers are now up to 33 (and a couple of applications outstanding) so we continue to grow. Long may it last!