AT 95, marvellous Maurice Churchouse still has a busy diary...
The pensioner, who lives at Deangate Care Home, has recently become the oldest person to join Barnsley u3a and has not only resurrected a past hobby by going along to their cribbage group but he is also proving to be extremely lucky at the bingo sessions.
Maurice, who gave 50 years’ service as a postman prior to retirement, has a real zest for life and, when he heard about some of the activities his daughter Anne Maclachlan was doing as part of the u3a community, he decided he wanted to see what it was all about.
“We played cards as a family when I was a child and Dad was also a member of a crib league in the eighties and even won some trophies,” said Anne.
“When I heard about the cribbage group setting up I was one of the first to go along and decided that it might be something that dad would like.
“I took him along as a guest and he thoroughly enjoyed it, and even wanted to stay for the bingo that followed.
“He’s proving to be a bit of a whizz at the bingo we won three times that first time and he also won £15 this week.
“It brings back fond memories as I can remember going to bingo with dad as a child on the back of his moped.
“They even had children’s bingo sessions in those days.
“I think dad has always been lucky I remember him once calling house on the final game of the night and winning £10,000.”
Anne is also a regular at the u3a ancestry group which is offering her some help with her long-time interest in genealogy Maurice is one of 18 children so there is plenty of family history for Anne to research.
A u3a spokesperson added: “At Barnsley u3a, we’re always delighted to welcome new members, but this recent addition is especially heartwarming.
“Maurice has joined the u3a and our cribbage group with enthusiasm and a youthful spirit that is truly inspiring.
“Maurice has a zest for life that’s simply infectious a proud family man who was married for 70 years, he brings warmth, humour and a touch of mischief wherever he goes.
“It’s a wonderful reminder that age is no barrier to learning, enjoyment, or rediscovering old passions.”
There’s also another important date in Maurice’s diary for this weekend he did his national service in the RAF from 1948 and will be taking part in the parade in the town centre tomorrow to mark Armed Forces Day.
