Most of the friendly faces in Ilmington Community Shop are volunteers from the village itself. But not all. Caroline Fisher is one of a handful of helpers who hail from outside Ilmington. Caroline, 61, lives in Northwick Park Estate near Blockley in Gloucestershire. We’ve got volunteers from Shipston and Tredington, Ebrington and Cherington too – so what’s the attraction? “It’s the essential feeling of having a purpose, doing something that matters,” says Caroline. “It’s become even more important now Covid is here.” Caroline, who lives on her own and was for many years a journalist, had changed career to work in the MadHatter Bookshop in Burford. When Covid struck, she found it hard to deal with the limitations of lockdown life. “I’m a people person,” says Caroline. “I’m interested in others and I like making them laugh. I walked into Ilmington Shop and Michele was there with two volunteers and I knew I’d love it: the building, the atmosphere and the ethos of the place. It’s buzzy.” Caroline now does two shifts a week and says it’s great for her mental health. “The exhilarating thing was when people started recognising me. It’s lovely to see the regulars and have some banter. That’s special.” If you want to be part of our community shop team, call manager Michele on 10608 682838 or email Susan Brock on s.brock9@btinternet.com. It will make a big difference to us: and maybe to your life as well
