Loneliness and how to tackle it were on the agenda at a meeting of more than 100 people for an Age UK annual meeting in Witchford Village Hall.

The Great Get Together, is an initiative of the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness.

Chief Executive, Gloria Culyer gave a summary of the year and said: “The numbers given in the report are impressive, but it is the difference made to the lives of older people which is of paramount importance.”

The day was the launch of the first report of Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, following the merger of former charities Age UK Peterborough and Age UK Cambridgeshire in April 2016.

The Annual review is a chance to set out the work done in the last year which includes comments from people who enjoy the meetings and club days.

One person said: “Club day is the best day of the week, it gives me something to look forward to.”

Another commented “Without my weekly telephone call I would feel less associated with the world. She listens to me and never judges me, but has assisted me in getting help when I needed it.”

One wrote: “I have benefitted from volunteering as much as any of those I’ve telephoned. I’ve looked forward to coming to the office to make calls, chat and see all the staff.”

Another said of her helper: “I am very happy, she is now like part of the furniture. We have a laugh and joke while she does the cleaning, which is very good.”

One member said: “My garden means such a lot to me and thanks to Age UK and my gardener, who is friendly, reliable and works hard, I can enjoy it knowing that it is always looking good. Delighted! Thank you.”

Another member commented: “What would my family and I do without our village warden? My children take great comfort in knowing that if I had an accident at home or am seriously ill there is someone there who is keeping an eye on me and will let them know. I take great comfort in this too.”

Guests at the meeting enjoyed tea and cake followed by music by local singer/songwriter Bondy.