Dedicated volunteers who have put in at least 130 years’ work at the Barnardo’s shop in Eastcote are being recognised for their outstanding commitment during Volunteers’ Week (June 1-7).

The longest-serving volunteer at the Field End Road store is Hazel King, 79, who lives in the same street and is being commended by the children’s charity for putting in an amazing 25 years’ service.

Milestone awards are also being given out to fellow Eastcote volunteers Chitra Bhattacharya, who has been giving up her own time for Barnardo’s for 10 years, and five others – Cameron Brall, Florence Gaffney, Maureen Harrowell, Joyce Shaymaker and Susan Ward - who have each been working there regularly for five years.

Other long-serving members of the team include Margaret Pannell, the second-longest-serving volunteer at 19 years, and Ann London and Beryl Purdy, who have each been at Eastcote branch for 11 years.

Together they have helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds so Barnardo’s can do more to create stronger families, safer childhoods and positive futures for children and young people.

Hazel King, who has two children and three grandchildren, said: “I started volunteering because I had two friends who were joint managers of the Ickenham Barnardo’s, and they persuaded me to come and give it a try. I kept it going after I retired from my job as a secretary and I moved to the Eastcote branch when the Ickenham shop closed ten years ago. 
“I enjoy meeting different people and serving the customers and there’s a good group of volunteers here, we’re all very friendly. I like the fact that Barnardo’s supports children and I’m happy to carry on helping out for as long as they want me to.” 

The 40-strong team of volunteers put their longevity down to the support they are given by store manager David Perera, who keeps them well-supplied with tea and biscuits and organises social get-togethers.

David, who joined Barnardo’s seven years ago, said: “I have a great team here – we have a good laugh and really enjoy the work. I delegate a lot to the volunteers and I try to keep them involved in everything that’s happening. Hazel comes in every Friday, and she will do more hours if I’m short. I’m so grateful to everyone who helps out and who sticks with it because it’s becoming very hard to recruit new volunteers.” 

Lynn Gradwell, Director of Barnardo’s in London, said: “Hazel and the Eastcote team have worked so hard for so many years on behalf of Barnardo’s, and I want to thank all the volunteers for their dedication and commitment. The money they’ve helped raise in store has made a real difference to the lives of countless children, young people and families, and continues to do so.”

To find out more about volunteering for Barnardo’s and details of local vacancies, please visit www.barnardos.org.uk/volunteering
 

Article supplied by Dan Hodges