#knowyourbenoni – A homecoming at Eddy House
Alan Geddes was appointed as the manager of Methodist Homes - Eddy House two months ago.
Before joining what he calls the service industry six years ago, Alan worked in broadcasting for the SABC.
He spoke to the City Times about his perspective on life and why he chose a career in caring for the elderly.
BCT: Tell us about your childhood.
AG: I was born in a town in Scotland called New Cumnock.
When I was six years old my parents, Doug and Nan Geddes, moved to South Africa in 1972.
My father received a contract from Sandvik as an electrical engineer.
BCT: What was it like growing up in Benoni?
AG: I can name six or seven people who lived in the street I lived in growing up in Morehill.
Now, I can’t tell you what my neighbour’s name is.
There were very few walls and the front gardens blended into each other.
My first job was at the Rama Vista movie theatre.
My friend and I worked there together, and we were able to ride our bikes from close to where the CBD is now all the way to CR Swart Dam after the last film ended at 10pm.
It was very different then.
BCT: Tell us about your broadcasting career.
AG: I worked as a principal production assistant for commercial radio at the SABC for six years.
I then completed a course in broadcasting at City Guilds, which is an institute that qualifies you based on work experience.
I met my wife Lee-Anne at a broadcasting event called the Pyramid of Lights.
It was held at the Standard Bank Arena and young people would come together and dance to music videos displayed on screens that formed a pyramid. In those days we weren’t exposed to MTV or VH1 so it was quite exceptional for the time.
BCT: Why is caring for the elderly so important to you?
AG: We all face the uncertainty of future retirement and I think we can all make a difference in the lives of the elderly.
It truly is an honour and a privilege to serve the elderly.
I recently took over from a fantastic manager at Eddy House and I am honoured to be a part of a dynamic, driven and visionary team.
The universe put me here, to be honest. I am also going through a journey of my own and I can’t articulate all of the emotions of being welcomed here.
When I started here it was like coming home.
Also read: Inspired by her community
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