PLANTING a great big, sloppy lick on his adoring owner’s face, Tam the rottweiller shows the soft side which has won him a legion of elderly fans, writes TOM BURROWS.

The nine-year-old happy hound has spent the past five years cheering up residents of a Kidlington care home as a Pets as Therapy dog.

And now his efforts have paid off handsomely – with a juicy bone in recognition of his service at an awards ceremony at Florence Park community centre in Oxford on Wednesday.

Tam has been visiting Glebe House for five years, putting a smile on residents’ faces with his giant presence.

Owner, Mark Gregory, 53, from Begbroke near Kidlington, said: “It’s amazing what a reaction he gets at the house. The residents’ faces light up when they see Tam.

“I think because of his size they really notice him, even those with failing eyesight.”

Mr Gregory, who said Tam’s previous owners got rid of him because he was “too soft”, was speaking at the annual awards ceremony organised by the Orders of St John Care Trust care homes across the county.

It’s the third year running that the trust has recognised the efforts of volunteers in Oxfordshire.

Those receiving awards for 10 years of service included Chris Buckland-Jones, 62, and Gladys Bird, 88.

The former does the trolley run with her friend of 40 years, Pat Brumfitt, 73, at Westgate House in Wallingford.

Ms Buckland-Jones, of Old Reading Road, Crowmarsh, near Wallingford, said: “It’s definitely a highlight of the residents’ week when we come round. They are always really pleased to see you.”

Ms Bird, of High Street, Wallingford, added: “I have been doing voluntary work since my husband died in 1954. I like to meet people and it makes me feel so much better.”

Bryan West, 66, a retired minister from Benson, has been running a monthly service at Westgate House for five years.

He said: “It’s very well attended. It’s wonderful to see Christian families, residents and carers all come together.”

Peter Loyd, chairman of the Orders of St John Care Trust, said: “I shudder to think what this country would do without volunteers.”

Andrew Cheesbrough, chief executive, added: “It isn’t an overstatement to say we wouldn’t be able to offer the excellent care we give to residents without the help of volunteers.”

AWARD WINNERS
One year of service:
Frances Avery – Isis House
Jackie Kitchen – Meadowcroft
Sue Moreton – Glebe House
Peter Patterson – Meadowcroft
Vanessa Tomelinson – Meadowcroft
Florence Shekleton – Isis House
Five years of service:
Jean Braddington – Meadowcroft
Carol McVeigh – Meadowcroft
Mark Gregory and Tam – Glebe House
Bryan West – Westgate House
10 years of service:
Gladys Bird – Westgate House
Chris Buckland-Jones – Westgate House
St John Care Trust care homes
Abingdon
Mayott House (capacity: 43)
Old Station House (capacity: 43)
Adderbury
Lake House (capacity: 43)
Banbury
Larkrise care centre (capacity: 60)
Orchard Meadows (capacity: 40)
Bicester
Centurion House (capacity: 20)
Langford View care centre (capacity: 60)
Chipping Norton
Henry Cornish care centre (capacity: 36)
Didcot
The Meadows (capacity: 68)
Henley
Chilterns End (capacity: 46)
Kidlington
Glebe House (capacity: 40)
Oxford
Isis Court (capacity: 20)
Isis House (capacity: 100)
Longlands (capacity: 47)
Marston Court (capacity: 39)
Townsend House (capacity: 45)
Thame
Meadowcroft (capacity: 71)
Wallingford
Westgate House (capacity: 61)
Wantage
Stirlings (capacity: 40)
Witney
Madley Park House (capacity: 60)
Woodstock
Spencer Court (capacity: 46)