Today, Erskine marks International Women's Day by recognising the ongoing of contribution of Veteran Joyce Mann a Volunteer at the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre. 

After a sterling career of 20 years in uniform working with regular personnel from the Army, Navy, Royal Marines and The Royal Air Force, cadets and adults from all walks of life, Joyce was winding down and heading for the quieter life of retirement.

However best laid plans are made to be changed!  On a chance visit to the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre in the Erskine Veterans Village Joyce met fellow Veteran and Centre Coordinator Evonne McCord who was quick to recognise a kindred spirit in Joyce.

Keen to have Joyce involved with the Centre Evonne invited Joyce to join the membership. After a few weeks she asked if Joyce would be able to help with some shy Veterans finding it a little hard to settle at the Centre. This was right up Joyce’s street and the start of another chapter in her lifetime career of helping people began.

Joyce’s first project, the “Conversation and Reminiscence” group, soon had everyone chatting away. Joyce remembers:  “We talked about everything! From old comics to old sweeties and biscuits, we had a great time”.  Joyce felt that this is such a privilege: “my 'wee group’ were all amazing individuals with such stories to tell (usually over a cuppa and a biscuit)”. 

However the pandemic halted everything and lockdown was enforced. Once things had settled and some semblance of normality was returning, the Centre re-opened and the activities started once again, in line of course, with the ever changing regulations.

Joyce found her time spent at the Centre changed too.  All of a sudden she was involved with the Memorial Bench Project (part of the Woodwork Group). The group found memorial benches around the Estate and gave them the TLC that they were needing. Joyce found this such a special task - in addition to repairing the benches the background of the benches was thoroughly researched as well as the backgrounds of the individuals on the dedication plaques. The stories that emerged were fascinating. Joyce said: “We have found much loved individuals, a young WW1 Rifleman tragically killed at the Somme, Douglas Bader's Wingman and an intriguing tale involving her late HM the Queen!”

In addition Joyce now oversees the Creative Writing Group.  As she said: “NO is word I find very difficult to say when volunteering is involved”.

As word spread of how efficient and enthusiastic Joyce is somehow the administration and logistics for setting up the new Woodwork Workshop has now become another item on Joyce’s weekly list.

Joyce is a firm advocate for Volunteering in general but at Erskine especially. As she said: “It is such fun and everyone is special in their own way.

The Veterans, regardless of Service or age, are just brilliant to 'work' beside. Every day is different, smiles are plentiful, and the regular staff seamlessly include you into their day.

Without question Joyce is an inspiration to all and that is why on this International Women’s day we are delighted to recognise and acknowledge the tremendous work she does here at Erskine. Joyce we salute you!

To find out more about Erskine’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @ErskineCharity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity or listen to Erskine Veterans Radio at Erskine.org.uk/radio

To donate directly to Erskine, please visit Erskine.org.uk/donate.