The afternoon flies by as they tell Caroline about their new great-grandchild. They also talk about their days in Africa. Bill was in Zimbabwe while Maureen, also a missionary, spent over 30 years in Malawi. They are widows who remarried late.

Caroline, 25, brings redbush tea for Bill and tells the couple about her work as a management consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers. Her employer has a corporate and social responsibility programme and donates £250 to Independent Age if she volunteers more than 20 hours a year. Back in university days, she took adults with learning difficulties on weekly outings, so volunteering has become part of her life.

She found out about us when she picked up a leaflet at her local Volunteer Bureau.

Maureen says: ‘Caroline is young but very caring. She could be out enjoying herself with her friends but instead she chooses to visit us.’

Caroline says: ‘I’m a fresh face who loves hearing their stories of Africa, and I always ask - very discreetly - if they need any extra help.’

Volunteer with us