by Becca Norris

THE Friends of Blandford Hospital Charity is now in its 75th year and one of the oldest hospital friends’ charities in the country.

Celebrated volunteer Joan Capron this year won a Certificate of Appreciation from Blandford town council in recognition of years of charitable volunteering and raising money through the sale of her own artwork.

She first volunteered for the Friends of Blandford Hospital Charity shop in the summer of 2001. Joan initially covered between April and October, because the rest of her time was spent in New Zealand and Australia. When she returned in 2002 the shop had moved to its present premises in Barnack Walk.

Joan enjoys dressing the shop’s windows, which always look fabulous, and meeting the other volunteers. Working in the shop gives her a sense of purpose and commitment.
It is not well known that Joan taught in the Channel Islands for 30 years and at one time ran a one-teacher school on one of the smaller islands.

Every year, alongside volunteering, Joan paints enough art to run her Original Affordable Art sale in the Friends’ shops. This year from August 4 for one week she will yet again be selling her art, including an array of original framed and mounted paintings with a top price of £30, along with prints and cards.

Anyone who would like to volunteer in either the Blandford or Sturminster Newton shop or warehouse would need to commit to a three-hour slot. Vacancies are available for serving customers, sorting donations, and moving donations to and from the warehouse.

The Friends also run an extensive transport scheme, which is also seeking volunteers, taking clients to and from medical appointments.

Anyone interested should phone 01258 450035, email dhc.friends.blandford@nhs.net or pop into one of the shops for an application pack.

The charity welcomes donations of unwanted items and collection can be arranged if donors are unable to take them to the shops. Unfortunately, large furniture items or house clearances can’t be accepted.