Josie

" I've been involved with the Swaythling Neighbourhood Centre since it opened, but I've been doing the lettings and opening up for seven or eight years now. I help with the activities like the bingo and over 50's. A lot of older people come here for the friendship and the community atmosphere, many are 70 or older.

The Centre Committee won the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service this year and I won the Citizen of the Year Award in 2003.

I do all sorts of things. Last year I rode a scooter for a play in the Nuffield Theatre. I was the granny on the poster. I do T'ai Chi at the centre with about a dozen other older people on Mondays to help stay fit - that's really important. I also help out with a cat rescue project although I've eased back a bit from that now. I couldn't sit still all the time - no way. "