Seventh Anniversary Of Outings Anonymous

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29299, 2 September 1960, Page 2

Seventh Anniversary Of Outings Anonymous

For seven years a group of Christchurch men and women have been running an unofficial taxi service for old people from the city and subifrbs. Once a fortnight elderly folk are gathered in from eventide homes, hospitals and private They are taken for a short drive, then treated to an afternoon tea.

The group is known as “Outings Anonymous” and yesterday it celebrated its seventh anniversary with a party at Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln.

Given by the Lincoln Country Women's Institute, it was a party for everyone. Some members brought their children, there were women and men whose families had grown up, young wives, and there were greatgrandparents present. Tire elderly guests arrived in busloads, carloads, and taxi-loads. They were assisted or wheeled into the hall by C.W.I. members. Everyone received a lapel posy of flowers.

September 1 at the college had been looked forward to for a long time by all present. First, there was a drive round the college grounds and farm and then the main part of the entertainment began with a community sing in the hall to the accompaniment of a piano accordion. This was so successful that two and

three-part harmonies were arranged and sung by the guests. At the official table a two-tier birthday cake took pride of place. Round the sides familiar Christchurch scenes were depicted in coloured icing and on the top was a model car made of bright green icing bearing a jaunty yellow flag. Even the seven candles were not forgotten and these were later lit by a foundation member of Outings Anonymous. Through the hall the delicate perfume of countless early spring flowers drew attention to the artistic floral arrangements set on the tables laden with, attractive party fare. Guests of honour for the afternoon were the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr G. Manning) and Mrs Manning. In his brief talk the Mayor congratulated Outings Anonymous on its work over the years and thanked the Lincoln C.W.I. for giving the afternoon tea.

Towards the end of the day, sweets and cigarettes were handed round to each guest. One organiser said: “It’s not only the fun they have while they are here that makes the party for them, it is the fun they have later talking about it, telling their friends or even just thinking about it themselves. Their day out today will last them a month if they have to stay at home that long.” This is the work that Outings Anonymous does every two weeks. It seeks no publicity and members provide all the necessary petrol and food for the outings from their own pockets.