This week, we wanted to say a big thank you on behalf of the residents of Haslemere to Beryl. Beryl is one of Haslemere's stars.

Beryl celebrates her 92nd birthday this week and is the longest serving volunteer at Haslewey. For those not familiar with Haslewey, it's a non-government funded community centre with a wide range of daily activities to suit all ages. You'll find everything there from weekly pilates, art, drama and ballet classes to bingo, self defence, yoga and zumba. Not forgetting, it's also home to the Post Office, a podiatry clinic and hairdressers. And, from Monday to Friday there is a daily cafe open from 9.30 to 2.30, serving up delicious cakes along with a fantastic lunch menu. In short, Haslewey offers a warm welcome to all and lots of fun activities for everyone to enjoy.

For over 20 years now, Beryl has given up her time to help at Haslewey. Giving up her time 4 days a week (it used to be 5 days a week until very recently), she arrives before 8 in the morning and typically works for the next 3 hours. The day starts with the laundry before she moves on to cleaning and washing up. She tells us that she'll just keep working until she can't see any other jobs that need doing!

When we asked her why she wasn't taking life more easy and putting her feet up (after all, she definitely deserves to!), the answer was quite simple. Beryl told us, 'It's fun. I don't want to stay at home watching TV. Haslewey is so friendly and it's good to work there,' before going on to say, 'Volunteering keeps me alive.' As big supporters of the advantages of volunteering for the person giving up their time to help others, the This is Haslemere team totally understand that sentiment. 

Beryl has lived in Haslemere for over 20 years and before that lived in the local area. Her career history demonstrates that she has always worked hard and in roles that meant she was helping others. She was born in Witley and after school, she initially worked as a nanny for a local family. She then worked at a school in Graffham before marrying a farmer. After marriage, she continued to work - but apparently the commute then took her a bit longer. Living on the farm meant she had a 4 mile walk just to reach the main road each morning! She then worked as a housekeeper at Frensham and then Midhurst before finally retiring. Not that retirement has been a rest as we can see!

Everyone that knows Beryl will tell you what a wonderful lady she is. You'll always find her with a smile on her face and she will always have a kind word or a helping hand for others. So, thank you Beryl for everything you have contributed to help others at Haslewey since you started volunteering there in 2003. 

If you would like to join Beryl in volunteering at Haslewey, please do get in touch with them here.