Eve has been an integral part of our community. With us at the Welwyn Hatfield CVS, her journey as a volunteer began back in the early 2000s on the “Cards for Good Causes” project. This initiative offered the community the option to support charities by purchasing their Christmas cards which raised funds for worthy causes. Eve’s warm personality shone through as she engaged in deep conversations with our customers, always checked in on everyone’s well-being and offering advice whenever she could. Eve has a calming demeanour which is a quality our customers often commented on.
“For as long as I can remember, I have been involved with volunteering. As a child, I would help my mother at church with the jumble sales and rattling tins at street collections.
I was a Samaritan when we lived in Scotland and in Hatfield when we moved.
When my husband’s parents came to live with us, I stopped working, joined the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) and delivered Meals on Wheels in Hatfield. Later on, I started the WRVS Hatfield Emergency Team, where we attended fires, rail crashes and other emergencies, serving refreshment to on site key workers. I ended up running the Hertfordshire teams, participated in Emergency planning meetings (COBRA) and conferences. Notably, the Potters Bar and Hatfield rail crashes, the lying-in-state of the Queen Mother and the death of Princess Diana.
I also worked for Welwyn Hatfield Citizens Advice Bureau for 14 years and the QEII Hospital Breast Care Unit until it moved to Lister Hospital.”
Eve – Volunteer
In November 2015, Eve heard about our Community Car Scheme from her fellow church friend and our volunteer Michelle. She was keen to fill the gap volunteering at the QEII had left and she eagerly joined the our team as a Volunteer.
Fully supported by her husband and as a dedicated member of St. Luke’s Church, she became an indispensable part of our project.
“Eve used to take me to Hammersmith Hospital, six times a year back in the day and she’d even wait around three hours, until my procedures were done and then she’d bring me back home.
On a personal note, Eve also took myself and two other people out on a Wednesday for lunch, in Hatfield. This meant so much to me because I was able to get out. With my mobility problems, it was so lovely to have Eve’s support and help, especially when getting in and out of the car. It was lovely not always having to go to medical appointments all the time.
Eve was out of this world and I miss her very much already.”
Val – Customer
As one of our regular Hatfield drivers, Eve undertook countless trips over the years, from early morning drives to navigating the bustling streets of London. Often, these trips were transporting customers who are elderly, those with a disability and those classed as vulnerable to medical appointment, clubs and other essential needs. There was nothing she wouldn’t do, and her dedication made her a true asset to our scheme. Her popularity with our car scheme customers, volunteers and staff made her a cherished member of our team.
“I have learnt how important it is to just listen, sometimes I do not need to say anything and my passengers can tell me about their fears, love, pain and hopes.”
Eve – Volunteer
Here is Eve with a different hat on under our Love Welwyn Hatfield project, which helps to spruce up areas in the borough.
Annually, the project the takes parts in the national clean up campaign “The Great British Spring Clean”. Within a team of volunteer Community Litter Pickers, Eve would help to keep the area around the St Lukes Church, the underpass and supporting roads free from litter.
As Eve and her husband embark on their new adventure in Gibraltar to be closer to their family, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for all she has done. She will be dearly missed by us all, but she may not be missed for too long as there are whispers on visits to see her and catch up on her new life in Gibraltar.
“Now we have moved to join our daughter in Gibraltar. Through my church, I have joined a Ladies Guild Art appreciation group and concerts with the Gib. Philharmonic Society. We are becoming part of the elderly community with my husband enjoying improving his Spanish.”
Eve – Volunteer
Thank you, Eve, for your unwavering dedication and the warmth you brought to our community. We wish you nothing but the best in this new chapter of your life!
