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http://www.thisishampshire.net/news/hampshirenews/display.var.2164505.0.pensioner_looking_for_drinking_partner.phpPensioner looking for drinking partner
By Ash Bolton
IT can be tough moving to a new area but for one 88-year-old the biggest problem is finding a new drinking buddy to go down the local pub with.
After moving from Barton on Sea to Cadnam last November Jack Hammond found himself with a good local pub but no one to accompany him for a pint.
In desperation the great-granddad's son Mike put a notice in the local post office asking for someone to help his dad down the Compass Inn in Winsor twice a week for a couple of hours.
Widower Jack, a former radar technician during the Second World War, moved to a care home last year to be near his family but is the only male resident at the Forest Edge Care Home.
Jack said: "It's a bit difficult at this age to come out to a pub. I don't want to be a nuisance. It was a bit upsetting when I had to leave as I left all my friends back home.
"I'd like to go down the pub a couple of times a week. But it's got to be with somebody who is not too bombastic and enjoys a nice pint."
Jack, who worked as a Charge Engineer at a Lancashire power station before he retired at 57, was a keen golfer up until five years ago with a handicap of nine.
His only son Mike, a chef in Brockenhurst, takes his dad out once a week for a few drinks but said most of his time is taken up with his family.
Mike, 56, said: "It's the company he misses more than anything.
He's not a big drinker he just likes the socialising and atmosphere. His motto in life was always everything in moderation'."
The father-of-two said whoever takes his dad out would be paid £7 an hour but would have to help him to and from the pub as he is not too steady on his feet. Mike will accompany the pair on their first few outings.
He added: "It would suit a retired man who is still fit and would like to help my dad with some expenses thrown in."
Chris Perry, director of Hampshire Age Concern, said: "This kind of problem is quite common as it is easy to become socially isolated at this age due to bereavement or from people moving away.
"But this man needs to be commended for using his initiative for putting an advert in the window."
He might be a miserable old sod though. I've been in there a few times, one of those pubs where you never seem to be short of a friend (unless I was suppose to be paying them for the chat of course)
