Barnado's volunteers at Winsford charity shop celebrated

Elaine Salisbury and Lynne Cieka have each donated their time to the Barnado's shop in the town for the better part of four decades.

During that time, the pair have worked alongside a host of different staff and other volunteers, seen the store temporarily close due to a bomb scare and a nearby a fire, and seen the shop move to its new premises at the Winsford Cross Shopping Centre.

And on Friday, May 3, a celebration event was held at the store for Elaine and Lynne, where they were joined by colleagues, volunteers and Barnado's CEO Lynn Perry, who came bearing gifts and long service certificates for their 'lifetime of impact'.

Elaine, from Winsford, who began volunteering 32 years ago after her three sons had grown up, said: "Being at Barnardo’s is a home from home – we are like family and we all have such a good laugh together.

"I get as much out of this role as I put in, and I love working with the young people that volunteer here and helping them to flourish, as well as responding to the different needs of the local community who visit us in the store.

"Everyone is just wonderful."

The 82-year-old had been a regular customer before spotting a notice for volunteers in the window and applying, after which she says she has 'never looked back'.

At the time she was working as a home tutor with children who were struggling to be educated in school, and over the years has been able to use the skills from this role to support other young volunteers at the store.

In addition to her volunteering work with Barnardo’s, Elaine keeps busy in the community by teaching U3A keep fit classes several times a week, as well as teaching the ukulele and even playing in regular gigs with the U3A Ukes.

Lynn Perry with staff and volunteers at Barnardo's Winsford store (Image: Barnado's)

Lynne, from Crewe, began volunteering at the shop 38 years ago after suffering serious injuries in a crash.

The 75-year-old had been working at a children's residential home for 18 years before her ongoing health issues following the crash forced her to finish. 

But after her time volunteering at the Barnado's shop she can’t imagine being anywhere else as she 'just loves the place'.

She added: “Barnardo’s is like a second home to me, I’m so used to being here and it just feels like family.

"From a young age I had always wanted to work with children, and after I finished working at the National Children’s Home, I started volunteering here at the store.

"I love working for children in whatever way I can and this is so much more than just a shop - I get so much satisfaction from supporting the local community and all the young people that volunteer here."

In addition to her work with Barnardo’s, Lynne also set up a local youth club and for the past 36 years has run a club every Tuesday evening in Winsford for adults with additional needs.

Charity CEO Lynn Perry said: “It is humbling to see how Elaine and Lynne have not only given so much of their time over all these years to support Barnardo’s, but have also brought their skills and experiences from previous professional roles focused on nurturing and fulfilling the potential of others, to enable other younger volunteers to improve their skills and confidence, and befriend customers who visit the store who may be struggling.

"I would like to thank them both sincerely for their loyalty to the charity and for their lifetime of impact.

Lynn Perry (centre) with volunteers Elaine Salisbury (L) and Lynne Cieka (R) (Image: Barnado's)

"They have made an incredible difference to so many families, through both their personal interactions and their work to raise funds in our Winsford charity shop. They, and all of our volunteers, are the superstars of our stores."

Linda Capper, the manager for Barnardo’s retail store in Winsford, said: "It is truly incredible to see the commitment that Lynne and Elaine have each given to Barnardo’s for the past 30 plus years, and still continue to give to this day.

"They always go the extra mile in wanting to help out and are so supportive of our large team of volunteers.

"We are extremely grateful and lucky to have them on our team and they are a huge part of our Barnardo’s family here at Winsford.

"We offer a warm welcome to any customers to pay us a visit to support the work we do in changing childhoods in the local region and beyond.”

In total, there are 17 volunteers at the Barnardo’s store in Winsford, aged between 15 and 82, as well as a store manager and store associate.

Full training and support is provided to all volunteers at Barnardo’s and placements are available to support with Duke of Edinburgh qualifications.

At Barnardo’s, anyone can apply to volunteer, no matter their background, skills, experience, or ability – there are a variety of roles to suit everyone. Further details on volunteering vacancies can be found by visiting barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer.