TAVISTOCK residents are saying a fond farewell to the man at the helm of an organisation which has helped hundreds of elderly and vulnerable people over the last decade.

Andy Lyle, who will leave as general manager of Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS) at the end of the month, will face new challenges working for Wadebridge Concern for the Aged.

Despite being sad to leave Andy said he is looking forward to a new challenge and will be supporting and developing a similar charity to TASS.

Wadebridge Concern for the Aged is based in the main building of the old railway station, called The John Betjeman Centre.

Andy is particularly excited to develop the services they can offer as they have not previously had a paid member of staff.

He said: ‘I’m very sad to leave after ten lovely years in Tavistock. We have all made such a difference and worked so well together.’

Andy explained when he first started working with TASS ten years ago, the centre operated at 60% of its capacity, had two aged buses and its outreach programme was minimal.

He added that he hoped the development would carry on with the new manager.

‘It has been a joy and pleasure to be able to see how older people have flourished.

‘I once took a group from the memory café up to the moors and came back through Princetown. An older man with dementia who was part of the group said to his wife, “I remember when we were courting.”

‘Another time we had taken a trip to Bedruthan and an elderly woman remembered some good times with her late husband and I told her that I had some good memories of there with my wife too.

‘It is wonderful to help people relive those precious moments, good or bad.’

Andy added that a key part of his job was to listen and to talk to people.

‘It has been a rollercoster of highs and lows — an incredible journey shared with trustees and volunteers. Thanks to all the people of Tavistock for all their efforts, donations and for being part of the last ten years.’

June Wildman, co-ordinator of Tavistock Memory Cafe said: ‘I’ve known Andy for many years, almost for as long as he’s been here.

‘He has been a great help to all of us at the Memory Cafe and we have worked closely. He has been very co-operative setting up the lunch club and singing group. I know lots of people make use of the buses and a number of people use the hospital car service.

‘He will be greatly missed by me and I’m pretty certain the people of Tavistock will miss him as lots of people use the services that he has set up.’