“When I retired in July 2021 I knew I had to keep busy. I still needed a good reason to get up in the morning! I started to network, having coffee with anyone in the local voluntary sector who cared to give me five minutes of their time. One of those was the Harpenden Trust’s ‘People Director’. I explained the voluntary roles that most interested me were the ones that got out me out and about and meeting people. Immediately more coffees were arranged with the ladies who ran Befriending, Events and Senior Outings. Their enthusiasm to help me get going was infectious! I ended up getting more involved with Senior Outings. What a joy! To see the immense pleasure that folk get from being out on trips is something to behold.
"Since I started with Senior Outings we have had some wonderful trips. Some we call 'mini trips'; Dunstable Downs cafe and shop, Frost's Garden Centre at Woburn Sands and Aylett Nurseries in St Albans are all recent destinations for coffee and cake. We've also laid on several tea parties and Christmas parties at Aldwickbury and Harpenden Common Golf Clubs. Other outings have been more adventurous - lunch in Westcliff-on-Sea and cruising the waterways of Bedford with fish and chips for lunch have both been examples in the last couple of years. On many of these trips I have also been wearing another hat - that of a Harpenden Hopper bus driver, picking up our lovely people from their homes and taking them to the destinations before dropping them back again later.
"For anyone reading this who is thinking of becoming a Trust volunteer I would say just do it! It's so much fun and really rewarding. And if any of the amazing people we help are also reading this I would simply say; thank you for being there for us. You brighten up our lives every time we see you.”
If you would like to become part of our volunteering community please contact the Harpenden Trust on 01582 460457 or e-mail admin@theharpendentrust.org.uk.
29 February 2024