She’s been part of our Returned to Glory volunteer team for six years, assisting in the showroom on Northbridge Road in Berkhamsted.
Val's working life began in a Solicitor's office in 1958, finally working for a Barrister in Colchester. She subsequently married and had three children moving around the country finally arriving in Berkhamsted in 1989 after running several pubs. She became Landlady of both The Boat and The Post Office Arms in Boxmoor and retired 10 years ago. She now lives in Northchurch. She shares with us how she got involved with volunteering at the Hospice…
“It all started when I retired in 2010. One of my regular pub customers suggested that I look into volunteering at one of the Hospice shops as he could see me really enjoying it – as I’m an outgoing person.”
Within a few weeks of contacting Voluntary services Val had her first shift at Returned to Glory, “My first shift was fun. I recall helping measure and price the curtains - I felt like I could be working in John Lewis!”
Six years on, she sorts the donations that are brought in and checks for damage. These items are then priced accordingly and put out in the shop floor to sell.
“I’d never volunteered before this role.” Val explains, “I am very pleased to be part of a great team of volunteers because it makes me feel like I am giving something back to the local community. My father passed away several years ago in 1993 in Suffolk and I always wanted to help a local charity since. This is the perfect role for me.”
She concludes, “I really love the sense of comradery we have as a team and I try to inspire as many of my friends to get involved too as it’s so rewarding. One of the perks, is definitely a nice cup of coffee after a hard morning moving furniture!"
“I also really enjoy (amongst helping customers and engaging with them) when we receive lots of lovely and positive compliments about how lovely the shop looks - especially on the recent Christmas shopping evenings. Our team takes great pride in making sure the showroom is presentable at all times.”
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