Hitting the Road with Motor and Munch

Geoff Eadie enjoys getting out and about, visiting his old haunts and observing how much Hobart has changed over the years. The 92-year-old has the opportunity to explore his hometown with like-minded people through Uniting AgeWell’s Motor and Munch group – aptly named because they take regular bus trips and eat together.

Once a fortnight and one Saturday a month, Geoff and the ‘Motor and Munchers’ head out for a scenic drive around the greater Hobart area and sit around a big table to share lunch or a snack.

“It’s really good,” said Geoff.  “It’s something to look forward to.”

Team Leader Ria Padman said the group was established in 2017 to reduce social isolation and enable home care clients to connect with others in their community.

“We have about six to eight regulars and several other clients come along every now and then,” she said.

“The group members are encouraged to nominate outings but our team also makes suggestions like museum displays, local events or tourist attractions.”

On previous outings, the Motor and Munch group has enjoyed a decadent high tea and walk through the enchanted Peter Rabbit Garden at the Riversdale Estate in Cambridge; and spent the day at Hobart Warf, learning about the history of the IXL Building.

Geoff always enjoys watching the scenery out the window of the bus and the jovial conversations he has with his Motor and Munch friends.

“One gentleman, who is 80, and I always sit together on the bus and have a joke,” he said.

“Sometimes we’re the only blokes so we always have a beer together.”

After each outing, he says everyone in the group is thankful for the experiences they have shared with new friends.

For more information about Motor and Munch, contact Uniting AgeWell’s Southern Tasmania Home Care team on (03) 6282 1193.

Find out more about Uniting AgeWell.