‘Working at the shop is particularly special over Christmas,’ Vera says. ‘Everyone is in good spirits and it’s nice to see people buying gifts, and by now, I know a lot of familiar faces. It’s lovely, feeling like I’m playing my part and giving back to the community.’
When Vera’s husband of 50 years, Peter, 71, died suddenly of a heart attack in the summer of 1996, Vera needed to find ways to keep busy and make the most of life, now she was on her own. Her two sons, David, now 73, and Stephen, 68, were grown up with families of their own.
‘For a few months, I grieved at home, channelling my energy into looking after the house and garden,’ Vera remembers. But one afternoon in March 1997, as Vera wandered down the high street in town, she spotted a sign in the window of her local QEF charity shop. ‘They were looking for volunteers, and I didn’t know the first thing about what they were after, but I thought, “why not?”’ she says. ‘I popped in and met the manager, who gave me an application form. I was thrilled to be given the position and devoted one day a week to volunteering at the shop.’
Esta historia es de la edición December 07, 2021 de WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 07, 2021 de WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Patchwork PROJECTS
Easy ideas to show off English paper-piecing techniques
Night train to BERLIN
Germany's exciting and varied capital is now reachable by train from the UK
French FANCY
Raymond Blanc's right-hand man, Benoit Blin's favourite bakes
Are you missing out on BENEFITS?
Here's how to find out what you are eligible for
TRAY bien
All-in-one tray bakes, packed with flavour
We took a grown-up GAP YEAR!
Who says taking time out is just for students?
'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Author and presenter Louise Minchin
What to eat and do for A HEALTHIER GUT
Fix those problems and boost your wellbeing
Picture palaces
In an age of cinema complexes, we celebrate five historic and beautiful picture houses that have stood the test of time
'My diet during Bake Off is cake and alcohol!'
Dame Prue Leith on the popular baking contest