Monday 2nd June – Sunday 8th June is Volunteers’ Week in the UK, and here in Parracombe, we wanted to recognise and celebrate the occasion by sharing a spotlight on the people that make a real difference in our community – our brilliant team of volunteers!
Kicking us off this week, Sarah McMahon! A ‘floating’ volunteer at the shop, which means she steps in to cover shift as and when she can, but has no set shift pattern. She’s also Secretary of Parracombe Community Trust, a member of the events team and gets involved in other village-wide activities such as clean-ups…
What’s your name?
Sarah McMahon
What’s your volunteering role?
Floating volunteer
What’s your favourite thing about being a volunteer?
Feel good factor – I’m doing something for the community. Flexibility, to work when it suits me
What does a typical shift pattern per week look like for you?
As a floater I don’t have a shift pattern
What does a typical shift look like for you?
I usually volunteer for a short shift (2 hours)
Why did you want to get involved with volunteering in the first place?
Meet more people in the community, experience something I’d never done before that was outside my comfort zone and learn a new ‘skill’
How do you think your fellow volunteers would describe you?
Hopefully helpful and friendly
Are you involved in any other type of volunteering activity?
Yes, member of the Events team, secretary of the PCT, occasional volunteer at village clean-ups
How do you balance volunteering alongside other commitments?
I’m retired but still quite busy with my parent and grandparent duties, I also spend a lot of time on our boat (weather permitting) and other volunteer work, so being a floating volunteer suits me perfecting rather than a regular shift at the shop
Do you have a favourite memory / story from volunteering?
Not yet as I’m a ‘newbie’
What’s your #1 top tip for someone who is considering volunteering with Parracombe Community Trust?
Great way to get to meet people (new and old friends), gives you regular access to new products at the Shop (food, crafts, plants etc). Work with lovely friendly people – fellow volunteers and shop managers. A great way to spend your time
What’s your local ‘top tip’ for holiday makers visiting the area?
Definitely drop in at the Shop for a cuppa and snack and a friendly face. Wonderful historical village to easily walk around. And if you are here in the evening, visit our great local pub, the Fox and Goose
What’s your favourite thing about living in or near Parracombe?
The community and proximity to stunning countryside and the coast. I’ve lived here 3 years and have met so many people and many I would call good friends. There are plenty of activities to do in the village, you dip in/dip out of with no pressure to get involved, and this can provide the perfect lifestyle balance
Sarah, thank you for everything you do for your community.
Feeling inspired? If you’d like to join Sarah and the many others in our thriving team of volunteers, you’d be very welcome.
You can access the volunteer pack and learn more about what’s involved via the Volunteer With Us page or just pop into the shop and speak to anyone on shift about volunteering.