As our bookshop Chapter Two is set to have another busy week, following it’s reopening earlier this month, we caught up with volunteer Colin, who’s been volunteering since summer 2020, following his redundancy from a West End theatre due to the pandemic. We caught up with him to learn more about what he’s been up to during the lockdown, and why he enjoys volunteering with Chapter Two…
“During Lockdown 3.0, reading has been very macabre as I'm discovering the terrifying but you can't put down written words of Stephen King. The Shining book of his is my favourite so far. With the volunteering experience having obviously been a little bit stop-start due to the pandemic, Colin, from Chesham, explains how he has missed the regular volunteering at the shop, and how important he realises customer safety is; particularly the use of PPE. “Most of all it has kept me busy and sane during this uncertain time”. He continues, “I'm learning more and more about The Hospice of St Francis from everyone who's connected to the shop, and the valued work it does within the local community.”
“Whilst on shift I look forward to connecting with our lovely, interesting customers and the lovely full time staff who work there.”
Having a background in customer service and working in a box office for a number of West End theatres (including the Palladium) …Colin explains how he got involved with Chapter Two.
“I saw an advert in the window during the time that the shop was being set-up, and having been made redundant from my job (due to the pandemic), I wanted to fill my time - and the shop and Hospice connection interested me. My role at the shop is mainly front of house; greeting customers, helping customers find books and working the till.
I really love Chapter Two because it is so unique, so professional. Such beautiful shop fittings and a lovely atmosphere which is so inviting to our wonderful customers.”
When asked what he enjoys most about his volunteering role, Colin responds…
“I enjoy meeting and greeting very much so and giving something back to the local community - by giving the bookshop my time. Plus, it's very interesting working with books. I have discovered Alison Weir and her historic novels. I'm now obsessed with Henry and his wives!” He concludes, “Mark our lovely manager is so interesting and knowledgeable having managed at Foyles in London. I'm getting an education as well as volunteering!”
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