“Is this the ancient and the modern?!” says Irene Sabin, 83. She’s kindly posing for a picture with volunteer shop partner Alex Righton, 23. Rene and Alex team up on a Saturday morning to work in Ilmington Community Shop, warmly welcoming customers, serving at the till, taking in deliveries and doing all the little jobs that a community shop shift requires. Sixty years and two metres social distancing is all that separates them. “Irene is amazing,” says Alex. “She’s so inspiring, with everything she’s done in her life.” Alex is taking an extended gap year after graduating in Music from Birmingham University. She should have been travelling the world, but instead is waiting to begin teacher training in the North East this autumn. “Working in the shop is such a nice thing to do, it really makes my day. Ilmington is a lovely community and it’s great to meet people.” Alex is on the cusp of her career; Rene has a long professional life behind her. She worked for 15 years with Birmingham police service and was also a social services homecare manager – among other roles. “I like every day to be purposeful,” she says, “and by coming into the shop I can achieve that.” When the government stopped over 70s working in the first lockdown, Rene’s first thought was “Oh blow!” Now she may be the oldest volunteer on our rota. Young or just young-at-heart? Every good team needs both – and we appreciate you all 
