A long serving St John volunteer has retired after 20 years dedicated service with the St John Care in the Community Library.

Betty Fooks started volunteering with the library when it was still in based in the old hut in the grounds of the Rohais before it moved to the purpose-built room behind the training hall.

Betty originally got involved in the mid-nineties after seeing an advert for volunteers in the Guernsey Press.  Until recently Betty would regularly catch two buses to get to the Rohais each week. Her roles have included ordering new books, indexing and looking after loans.

Deputy Chairman of St John Ambulance Guernsey Jurat David Hodgetts paid tribute to Betty’s work and commitment: “Always cheerful, Betty has been a very hardworking member of the St John Library for well over twenty years.  I was honoured to make the presentation to her on her last day and thank her for her dedication and service.  The St John Library plays an important part in many people’s lives in the island, providing ordinary books, as well as special large print books.  St John is fortunate to have a number of dedicated volunteers who provide this service.”

Fellow St John Library volunteer Jeanne Gathercole said: “We are all very fond of Betty, she has been a valued member of the team. She always arrived with a smile on her face, worked hard every Tuesday afternoon, ordering new books and preparing them to be loaned. Betty has given more than 20 years service and never complained.”

The St John Care in the Community Library is open every Tuesday between 1pm and 4pm and offers easy access with parking outside. Books can be ordered by calling 07911 737928.

Posted: January 11, 2020