How much time is needed to volunteer? Not much time 3 hours a week is easy.
What does your role involve? I work at the counter
What inspired you to become a volunteer? I volunteered at the WI market and then one of the producers, who also worked at the shop asked if I would help one sat morning that was 22 years ago, so I went. It went on from there, 2 mornings a week and sometimes filled in when needed. Now only do 1 morning a week. I have worked with the same colleague for 22 years
Why would you encourage others to become a volunteer? Because it has made a whole difference to my life to feel I am part of something in the community
What is the best part of volunteering? Making friends with the whole team and meeting the public and keeping up with everything in the town. Being part of something and know I am helping other people
What has been your most rewarding experience being a volunteer? Helped me such a lot as I lost my husband 27 years ago and it has helped me so much. I owe the hospice a big thank you.
What have you learned since becoming a volunteer? A little bit of technology using the till “difficult teaching an old dog new tricks”
Has your perspective changed? I am quite shy but have found it easy to talk to the customers. The same people come in and you get to know them
What is your background? My father and husband were both farmers
Tell us a fun fact about you? My cat likes to go out for a ride in the basket on the front of my scooter
What might someone be surprised to know about you? Still keep going to volunteer at 91 years
What is your favourite film? I like classic films like Brief Encounter and Casa Blanca
What is your favourite food? I am a Vegetarian which was difficult before when my husband and father were both farmers – vegetable lasagne is my favourite
What is your favourite book? Love reading. David Nicholls Start for 10
What is your guilty pleasure? Little glass of ginger wine
What are your hobbies? Used to knit. Now I enjoy container gardening
