Christine Miles

Since retiring from a very busy HR Management post in the City a few years ago, I felt I needed something to partially “fill the gap”.  I looked at several possibilities on the charity front, not wishing to spend my days serving in a charity shop but rather use some of my administrative and communication skills.

I met with the volunteer co-ordinators at Book Aid International and they suggested several office tasks that I could be helpful with and I have never looked back! I spend a few hours each week in the office, working for anyone that has a need, on tasks such as data entry, database updating, responding to correspondence, stuffing envelopes, filing, telephoning and being whatever fac totum they need at the time.

The work is of an appropriate level, mostly enjoyable and requires simple application. I have been at Book Aid International for over ten years now, attended the 50th birthday celebrations at The Globe, helped with “meeting and greeting” at the Bloomsbury Auction, and may even make the Buckingham Palace Tea Party if I complete 25 years good service! I feel I do contribute in a small way to the workings of Book Aid International; I really enjoy the company and have made many friends in my time there.

Sometimes I even get invited to weddings, Bah Mitzvahs, birthday/Christmas/leaving parties and such like. My geographical understanding of Africa is much improved and I have a genuine interest in the workings of Book Aid International and all its endeavours. For me … it’s not the money (‘cos obviously being a volunteer I’m not paid!), it’s the social chit chat and the friendly interaction that I value.  I really look forward to my hours at Book Aid International and unlike “real” work I never have to worry about it when I’m not there. I feel appreciated more than I ever did when I was earning “big money” for a multi national … they won’t get rid of me in a hurry, I just love it!