As well as working on reception, Maureen prints posters advertising events and restaurant menus on the computer.  She is also a member of the Creative Writing Group and on the steering committee which is raising funds for Milton Keynes' second village in Shenley Wood.

She says: "I can't think highly enough about the Village; it's excellent. The whole village concept for older people is fantastic. It's not like a nursing or residential home. The friendliness of the people living here has been exceptional."

Maureen and her late husband Bill were also landlords of two public houses, one in Bristol and the other in Cheddar.

"We had a busy lifestyle over the years and I'm planning to keep it that way."

To find out more about registering as a volunteer, you can contact a Village or scheme in your area directly. Click here to search and contact your chosen village or scheme location.

Or contact Helen Waite on 024 76 506011 or email  helen.waite@extracare.org.uk