An enthusiastic East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) volunteer swapped sightseeing for shop-hopping during a recent break in Suffolk.
Brenda Gilbert visited nine different EACH stores in what she jokingly described as a ‘spying mission’.
Brenda, from Huntingdon, lends a hand in the charity’s St Ives shop and was joined on her travels by friend Catherine Stokes, who also helped in the same store until recently relocating to Norfolk.
The pair spent three days exploring Suffolk while staying in Halesworth and, rather than taking a complete break from volunteering, made it their goal to visit more EACH shops.
Their tour took in nine stores in total, including those in Framlingham, Saxmundham, Southwold and Stowmarket.
“We tried to visit as many as possible and really enjoyed the experience,” said Brenda, who volunteers every Tuesday and Thursday morning.
“Everywhere we went, we introduced ourselves and said we helped in St Ives.
“The staff and our fellow volunteers were all very friendly and made us feel welcome, showing us around and letting us see their sorting rooms.
“It’s amazing how different the shops are, even though they all have the same branding and signage. They’ve all got their own unique feel and personality.
“It was fascinating and, as we jokingly called it, our very own spying mission.”
Brenda has been a passionate supporter of EACH since retiring 11 years ago.
“I’m very passionate about EACH and always pop into shops when I’m out and about on my travels,” said the 76-year-old.
“Volunteering gives me a lot of pleasure and is something I find very rewarding.
“It gives me something positive to do and gives me an opportunity to meet new people, which I enjoy.
“I particularly love serving customers on the till and get to know some of the regulars well, greeting them on first-name terms.
“I love it and enjoy being busy, rather than sitting at home moping. It’s something I’d recommend to anyone.”
