“I can’t stay at home. I’ve got to come down here because there are so many people to talk to,” says Carol. “I prefer to be here than at home. If I was on my own, I’d be miserable, but I come down here and I’m happy.”
Carol and other tea room regulars are at The Atrium every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They meet between 10am and 3pm, with people welcome to drop in for as long as they want.
“If people are feeling lonely, they can come down here and we can all have a chat and a laugh,” adds Carol. “Old people need companionship. I should know – I’m one of them, and it keeps me happy!”
Carol has lived in Thamesmead for 50 years. Her connection to The Atrium started when her husband was working in the community garden. At around the same time, Terry Gales and other residents were toying with the idea of starting a club that would help neighbours who might be feeling isolated.
That was two years ago, and Terry is pleased to see the tea room now building momentum.
“It’s an open door,” says Terry. “If you want a cup of tea, come in for a chat. If you’ve got a problem we can help with, we will.”
While the initial idea was for a regular social gathering, it has become much more than that.
“We’ve all been through illnesses and things. I’ve lost my son through an illness. And we just cling together. It’s like a family,” says Carol. “Every time someone’s got a birthday, we get them a cake and have a party.”
The group recently attended the funeral of The Atrium’s former caretaker, George. After the service, they returned to Teeswater Court to hold their own wake in his honour.
“We are like a family,” adds Marion Lowden, who holds onto her Scottish accent after 30 years in Thamesmead. “We all have a good laugh and we look after each other. If anybody needs anything or something’s happened, we’ve got each other to talk to.”
Amid the procession of teas, coffees, cakes and biscuits, there are plenty of laughs. The family feel extends to a bit of friendly banter.
“We do daft things and put the world to rights,” reveals Marion.
“Torment each other, don’t we?” adds Terry, who had announced his arrival by plonking a pack of cat food in front of Marion and declaring that dinner was served. The group has informally adopted a local cat.
Tins – cat food or otherwise – undergo a rigorous quality control process on their arrival at The Atrium. Former engineer Terry spent 33 years making cans for a company on the Old Kent Road.
“If someone brings in a tin of biscuits, he’s examining them to make sure the tin is made properly,” jokes Carol.
“Force of habit,” admits Terry. “If there was a problem, I used to have to iron them out.”
When the time comes to wash up at the end of the day, the group is incredibly well-equipped. Marion is a one-woman dishcloth-making machine. She whiles away hours hand-knitting cloths from parcel string.
“I’m forever doing them,” she says. “They keep me busy, they’re handy and they get used, so that’s the main thing.”
“They’re beautiful to clean your sinks with, and they’re machine washable,” confirms Carol.
A selection of Marion’s recent creations sits in the middle of the table for tea room members, friends and acquaintances to help themselves to. They become a neat visual reminder of the close-knit nature of this growing community group.
The tea room has been supported by Peabody through the free use of The Atrium. Residents interested in running an activity for their local community can email communityhubsTM@peabody.org.uk to share their ideas.
