From FHNC Shopper to Twenty-Year Volunteer – Stevie

Stephanie, or as her friends in both the Buckingham and Winslow FHNC shops like to call her – ‘Stevie’, has been volunteering with us for an incredible twenty years. Not only has Stevie been volunteering with us, she has also been involved with the National Trust both as a paid staff member and volunteer after retirement.

Throughout her time with us, she has been a volunteer Shop Assistant. Engaging with countless customers, sorting an innumerable amount of generous donations from our supporters and being an amazing ambassador for the charity.

When the Winslow shop opened, Stevie would often visit to peruse the book section of the shop. Being an avid reader and book collector, she was always on the lookout for her next great read. After roughly six months of getting to know the shop, volunteers and staff there, Stevie decided to volunteer at the shop as she thought “it looked great fun”.

The reading most definitely didn’t stop when she joined us. A couple of years ago, after her granddaughter expressed an interest in reading as well, they discussed what book they should read together. A true classic that both of them hadn’t read yet was Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda’. After agreeing on the title, it was now a waiting game until a copy came through the shop door and after three weeks or so, one did!

Not only do they read together but in the summer months her granddaughter joins Stevie in the shops to volunteer. Which is truly delightful, and we thank Stevie’s granddaughter as well for the time she gives during her summer holidays.

When asked about why she volunteers and what she enjoys about volunteering, Stevie replied;