Susan Kensdale, a resident (family member) at Sundial Care Home in Tipton St John, played a significant role in the community, as a volunteer collator for the local newspaper, Tipton Times.
Before settling into life in Tipton St John 20 years ago, Sue lived in Sidmouth where she had her son and enjoyed a long, fulfilling career as a Legal Cashier, where she worked for 24 years. Sue said she was “one of the family” there, and that’s the reason she enjoyed it so much. As retirement approached, she decided to relocate to the village of Tipton St. John, seeking a quieter life.
In 2006, shortly after her retirement, Sue’s journey with the Tipton Times began when she was recruited by her next-door neighbour who happened to be one of the editors. Wanting to stay active and connected to the community, Sue welcomed the new opportunity. Little did she know, this would lead to 12 fulfilling years as a collator for the local publication, a role that she held until she stepped down in 2021.
As a collator, Sue took on the behind-the-scenes task of assembling the newspaper by hand. “After the editors finished with the stories and printed them, a half-dozen of us would sit around a table, spending three to four hours putting all the pages together,” she recalls. The work was steady and methodical, but it was also rewarding, especially with the companionship it created among the volunteers.
What she loved most about her role at the Tipton Times was the opportunity to meet people and be a part of the community spirit. The team of volunteers who worked alongside her made every day enjoyable, with plenty of conversations around the table. “There were lots of volunteers and always plenty of people to talk to. I enjoyed being a part of that environment,” she shares.
Through her years at the Tipton Times, Sue found herself immersed in the stories of her community. While she doesn’t recall any particular moment as a standout, she treasures the hours spent sifting through local news. “It was always good to spend time with the team and read through the stories,” she says.
Now in her quieter years and living at Sundial Care Home, she has developed a love for audiobooks, which are regularly delivered to her by a volunteer from the library in Ottery St Mary. She also likes to watch television in the afternoons and spends time with the team she has built close relationships with. Sue is also a proud grandmother to two grandchildren.
We asked Sue, “What do you like most about living at Sundial?”
“I feel safe and comfortable living here, with it being close to my old home, it hasn’t changed my visits from my family or my old routine much”
We then asked, “Do you have any favourite memories here?”
“The llama visits, brilliant to see and to be around, Harry and George are great characters.”
Finally, “What are your thoughts on the community here at Sundial?”
“What makes a place is a good team, and that is what they are here. Great, friendly and always helpful, the team make the community here.”
While Sue’s work with the Tipton Times may be behind her, her contributions to the community remain an important part of her life. The friendships she made and the stories that were shared whilst collating are fondly remembered, highlighting the importance of volunteering and the simple joy of being part of something bigger than oneself.
To find out more about Sundial Care Home, visit https://www.sundialcare.com/latest-news/