As part of our series acknowledging the dedication of local volunteers supporting the Covid-19 vaccine rollout out, we kick off with Dene Godfrey who tells us about his volunteer experience during the pandemic and his love of music and jigsaws.

Name: Dene Godfrey

What roles do you perform? Door Marshal and Observation Marshal

Describe your day as a volunteer: As a Door Marshal, I check the temperature of every person entering the building and apply antibacterial liquid to the visitors’ hands. Observation Marshals take the person to the rest area after the vaccination, give them a leaflet to read and note the time they can leave (15 minutes after the vaccination) on that leaflet. Immediately after they have left, their chair is wiped down thoroughly with an antibacterial wipe.

What is your usual job or employment? Retired

Why did you volunteer?  I have the time to spare and it’s an enjoyable experience interacting with the people who are being vaccinated. I started working as a volunteer on the Ross Good Neighbours’ shopping team during the first lockdown in March 2020 and now also work on Ross-on-Wye’s first Zero Waste Stall, an environmentally friendly initiative set up to provide free produce collected from supermarkets which are surplus to requirements.

Tell us something about you: I am a former President of the UK Society of Cosmetic Scientists and my main hobbies are walking, playing guitar and keyboard and jigsaws (and annoying people on Facebook!)

Finally, do you have any other plans during this lockdown? No plans during lockdown, but plenty for when it’s finally lifted and we can get back to normal, whenever that may be.

Note from Ross-on-Wye Community Development Trust: If you are waiting to receive your Covid-19 vaccine, please contact your own local GP surgery and they will be able to advise on their scheduling. If you are self-isolating or need practical assistance during lockdown including shopping deliveries, please contact the Ross Good Neighbours’ Helpline on 01989 313002 or email help@rosscdt.org.uk and someone will get back to you.