SHE’S still delivering library books to the elderly – at the age of 90.
Enid Rothwell has been volunteering at Colehill Home Library Service for 15 years. Every three weeks, she visits people who can’t get out and about, picking up their read books to return to the library and collecting new ones.
She recently picked up a medal from the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service for her efforts, but has no intention of hanging up her book bags just yet.
Mrs Rothwell, of Ferndown, said: “I signed up when a friend, who knew I was a reader, said they were desperate for people.
“I’ve just been doing it ever since and enjoy it. It’s nice to feel that you’re doing something that helps people. You get to know them and find out about their different lives.”
She’s always invited in for a drink and a chat, and her readers buy her Christmas presents.
“I’ve known them so long now, I regard them all as friends,” she added. “I know I give them much-needed social contact. They don’t see many people.
“I don’t feel I’ve earned my medal. It’s so interesting. I shall keep on as long as I can go on driving.”
Colehill Library manager Angela Wheeler says she can always rely on Mrs Rothwell, who also volunteers at the Barrington Centre, in Ferndown, and is involved with drama groups.
“Enid is just so wonderful,” she said. “How she fits it in with all the other things she does, I don’t know. It puts us all to shame. She’s a great link between us and the readers.”
To get a delivery or become a volunteer, call 0845 601 4670<&bh"http://www.wrvs.org.uk"><&eh>
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