Samaritans branch marks half century

AS THE Gazette reported half a century ago: “January 28 1972 should be marked as a special day in the life of the borough. It was the day which saw the opening of the Ealing branch of the Samaritans, the organisation which offers comfort and compassion to the desperate, the despairing, the lonely and the suicidal.

“This voluntary organisation is activated by the highest motives the care for fellow men and women suffering mental and physical pain and torment.”

To mark the first 50 years, today’s Samaritan volunteers would like to hear from former volunteers so they can join in a 50th anniversary celebration in May.

Please email your details to ealingsams50@gmail.com.

I’d also like to use this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us over the years at our jumble sales, coffee mornings, carol singing , sponsored knits, parachute jumps marathons and more.

The Gazette signed off its 1972 editorial with these words, which could have been written today:

“They come at a time when the stability of past years is challenged in a more demanding world; when there is greater loneliness than ever before: when family life breaks up earlier as young people leave home in an independence gained through work, or as students and apprentices.

“The aged, the bed-sitter population, the sick, the oppressed, the bewildered . . . all may find a friend in the Samaritans.” Heena Johnson

Director, Ealing, Hammersmith & Hounslow Samaritans,

Junction Road, Ealing