Pauline's finish with Home-Start after 20 years
AFTER 20 years with Home-Start King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Pauline Bantoft is retiring.
Mrs Bantoft (59) first joined the popular scheme as a volunteer in 1985, taking on the role of organiser with her colleague, Mrs Lynda Pither, in 1988.
They have worked together as part of a job- share initiative ever since.
Home-Start works to support families with at least one child under five. The local scheme is currently supporting 139 families in West Norfolk.
Home-Start trustees and staff held a farewell celebration for Mrs Bantoft at its local headquarters in Columbia Way, North Lynn, on Friday.
She was presented with a Sorbus sapling and Cotinus shrub, gardening vouchers and a book containing newspaper cuttings and Home-Start memories.
She has enjoyed her time at Home-Start, telling the Lynn News: "It has been a big part of my life.
"The scheme has grown over the years but the two main challenges are still the same, recruiting enough suitable volunteers and making sure funding is in place to keep the service going.
"I never cease to be impressed by the amount of time and support the volunteers give so freely. I know how much this is appreciated by parents who are feeling pressured or overwhelmed with a baby or small child.
"The gift of time and someone to talk to in confidence makes such a difference to a family."
Mrs Pither will carry on her role, with Mrs Michelle Walker replacing Mrs Bantoft as joint organiser.
Home-Start offers group support in Lynn, Methwold and Bircham Newton, and anyone wanting more details about becoming a volunteer can call the office on 01553 762706.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
