“Here, I’ve got a life”

Ian (left) and Rich still chat every few weeks, though Ian’s new schedule can make it difficult to find the time!

RAF veteran Ian Oldfield was living alone and at a very low ebb when he signed up to the RAF Association’s Connections for Life service. Little did he know the impact that decision would have.

Ian Oldfield served in the RAF for 12 years between 1964 and 1976 in stores and air movements. A number of jobs in civilian life followed, with his final working role seeing him deliver parcels across the country.

“When retirement came along and old age crept up on me, I ended up on my own in a flat in Southampton,” says Ian. “My family were worried that I was sounding very low.”

Ian’s family put him in touch with Veterans’ Gateway, who referred him to the RAF Association.

“The RAF Association asked if I’d be interested in talking with someone from its Connections for Life service,” Ian continues. “I haven’t looked back since… It’s proved to be a godsend.”

Ian was paired with Rich Paul, who had recently become an RAF Association Connections for Life volunteer.

“I got a call from a private number,” says Ian, recalling that first conversation. “I don’t usually answer those, but Rich introduced himself and an hour later we were still talking. It was like we’d known each other for years.”

Having both served in the RAF, the pair were able to talk about service life and their careers. It didn’t take long to discover other things they had in common: from rugby to politics to their families.

“And we both like Portsmouth Football Club,” says Ian with a smile.

They spoke once a week for over an hour and during their conversations, Rich learned that Ian’s mobility issues were causing problems with shopping, and getting up and down the stairs to his apartment.

“Over time I built up a picture of where Ian was living, and it wasn’t really suitable,” says Rich. “The local authorities were trying to help but they were just overwhelmed.”

Rich arranged for Ian to have an assessment with one of the Association’s welfare team, who came to the same conclusion.

Knowing about the Association’s retirement accommodation, Rich broached the subject with Ian, who was soon booked in for a viewing at the Association’s Wexford House in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

“I moved in in July 2023,” said Ian. “It only happened because Rich had picked up on things I’d said. Those weekly calls did a lot for me, they really did.”

“It’s wonderful,” Ian says of his new home. “I’m living with 10 like-minded people who all served in the RAF. I’ve only got to knock on a door and I’ve got someone to talk to, and vice-versa.”

“We have good food, a nice relaxed atmosphere; if we want to sit in the garden of an evening and have a glass of wine we can. Everybody is free and easy and we can go where we like.”

When asked how his life today at Wexford compares to 18 months ago, alone in Southampton, Ian says:

“There, it was: wake up, shower, watch telly, go to bed. Here, I’ve got a life.”

“Here, I’ve got a life” was first published in Air Mail’s Autumn 2024 issue. For more articles like this, sign up for membership and include Air Mail magazine, the official magazine of the Royal Air Forces Association, in your subscription.

Featured image: Ian and Rich meeting up for a chat.