A STAFF member at the Oxfam charity shop in East Street has celebrated 25 years in service.

Betty Hyland, aged 85, began working at Oxfam on East Street after she retired aged 60.

A resident of Farnham since her mid-40s, she “saw a sign asking for volunteers one day”, and the rest is history.

She said: “When I turned 60 I thought – I just can’t stop.

“If I wasn’t here, I would be at home just sort of meandering, not doing anything productive.

“I came to Oxfam and I have had an amazing time since.”

Looking back on her 25 years of service and how the charity shop has changed, Betty said: “I think we have become more sophisticated.

“It is amazing what people give. The quality that is donated is just incredible.

“I am still surprised after 25 years at how many donations we get.

“We have supporters who have been coming to us for 25 years as well.”

Throughout the pandemic Oxfam had to close its doors, like many other shops and businesses in town.

But once restrictions were lifted and the shop could open, Betty said they were “flooded” with donations.

Betty’s charitable work has been influenced by her former work for the British Embassy and the British Council.

Speaking of her career and adventures, Betty said she had travelled all over the world, visiting countries such as Poland, Turkey and Jordan.

On her work and its links with her support for the charity, she said: “You become more aware of why they have these struggles and you become more sympathetic.

“With Oxfam, the end result is a child gets an education or medications from the funds we raise.

“I am a great supporter of the charity.”

She added: “I would recommend volunteering to anyone – it keeps me lively and interested in what is going on in the town.

“We make so many friends here, it is wonderful.”

For her work at the shop, Betty was sent a 25-year certificate, a letter from head office, and an Oxfam badge commemorating her work.

She was also given a bunch of flowers by her colleagues in the shop.

Looking to the future, she said she would love to “carry on for hopefully another ten years.”

She added: “I would really miss it if I could not come in.”

Store manager Helen West said: “Betty has been a great ambassador for our lovely Oxfam shop for 25 years and she is so loved by all the staff.

“She is so full of energy and is always bursting with happiness.

“She is an inspiration and we adore her.”

For more information, visit oxfam.org.uk