“The walk took place on the last Saturday of June. A group of 15 of us met at our church, Providence Baptist Church in Knaphill, Woking, and we went on a five-mile walk around Horsell Common and Littlewick Common. It’s a level walk along paths and includes passing by Goldsworth Park Lake. Ages in the group ranged from 11 to early sixties.

“It was a lovely opportunity to have more time to chat with those from our own church and those who joined us from other churches including a lady down from Darlington who was visiting the area. Lots of those who came like walking and enjoyed the chance to get out with others. After the walk, we had refreshments at church and people had the opportunity to make a donation.

“Shottermill House is well-known at our church. Someone spotted the details of The Pilgrimage in the magazine and that planted the idea for a walk. Over the years, our church has supported Shottermill when they have raised funds through things like sponsored walks and spring and autumn fairs. The last walk we did like this as a church was in 2019. It’s something we hadn’t got back to after the pandemic, so this was a nice opportunity to start it again.

“For my wife and I personally, Shottermill House is very dear to our hearts. My wife’s father lived at Shottermill until he passed away in 2020, and incidentally he also used to speak at the old Pilgrim Home in Brighton. I also had relatives who lived at Shottermill and we have known others from our church who have lived there over the years, plus one of our church members, Evelyn, was the first ‘matron’ at Shottermill.

“Volunteering at the home is a lovely way for us to give something back to older Christians who have themselves served others over their lives. Linda goes in to play the piano every week for morning devotions and plays for a singing session every month with another volunteer. I go in twice a month to lead the devotions, with hymns and a Bible passage followed by a simple talk. On a Sunday, it’s a slightly longer session, more like a mini church service. We really look forward to going and for us those we meet through visiting have become friends.

“Through volunteering, we’ve also seen what a difference the Hummingbirds make. They have the time to spend with people and get to know them really well. I’ve seen the calming effect they can have for someone living with dementia simply by sitting with them and having a chat. They have a positive influence on not just the person but also others in the home who might be disturbed by someone else. They help to create a lovely atmosphere and so it’s wonderful for us to be able to support their work as a church.”