Aged 78 and going on 17, he’s a bundle of energy who’s been volunteering at Ilmington Community Shop since we opened in 2015. He’s kind, he’s funny and he’s very loud. “Use the marmite reference,” he bellows. “Some love him, some hate him.” We all love Geoff really. He’s on the Parish Council and he does dry-stone walling and tree-pleaching in his spare time. Geoff looks after his neighbours with a fierce, practical loyalty. He keeps an allotment and shares the proceeds with anyone who’ll turn some of the fruit and veg into supper for him. His cottage garden is so beautiful it’s going to be featured in a leading lifestyle magazine later this year. And twice a week he works at the shop from 7am, sorting out the papers, the milk, the fresh vegetables; baking bread and checking the customer order book. “It satisfies my need to be part of the community and to meet people,” he says. “It’s very important to be part of the set-up, knowing what’s happening, helping out…” that wicked Geoff smile, “and being nosy.” Barney the 10-year-old springer spaniel is always by Geoff’s side. Good as gold the pair of them. Thank you Geoff, for all you do
