A VOLUNTEER from Dunfermline who is approaching a century has celebrated her last day of working in a charity’s shop.

June Patterson, who is 94, is giving up after nine years of service with Barnardo’s at their premise son Aberdour Road.

Her last day (Thursday, April 25) was celebrated with tea and cakes from her beloved colleagues.

Speaking about why she started volunteering with Barnardo’s, June commented: “I had retired from nursing, a nursing career that I’d had for many, many years and thoroughly enjoyed.

"I just had time on my hands and wanted to put something else back into the community, at least that’s how I looked at it.

“And I thought well, once a week’s not going to kill me and I was quite active with doing a lot of other bits and pieces as well. I was in a walking group and all sorts of things.”

June made her decision to step back from volunteering after a period of poor health. She previously came into the store every Thursday from 10am to 1pm.

Dunfermline Press: June will still be popping into the shop to see her colleagues for a cup of tea.June will still be popping into the shop to see her colleagues for a cup of tea. (Image: David Wardle)

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Along with her husband, June also ran a care home at one point in her career.

She added: “I’ve enjoyed it, yes and I only did one day a week, simply because I still had other activities that I wanted to do. But everybody’s been very nice to me at Barnardo’s, everybody.

“I’m sad to go but the time comes I think.”

However, June will still be popping into the shop to catch up with her colleagues for elevenses.

She insisted: “I’m coming back to have my wee cup of tea at 11 o’clock. It’s just been a wee ritual that we have a cup of tea at 11.”

One of her colleagues commented: “June is a very special lady, who deserves the recognition.

“At 94, she is remarkable, very funny, and so kind.”

A poem about June has been written to celebrate her time with the charity.

“Every Thursday at 10 o’clock

In comes our very own Queen

A lady in every sense

A beautiful sight to be seen

There’s nothing that she can’t do

She makes our days such fun

She has the biggest kindest heart

She is loved by everyone

But now it’s time to take a break

It’s been nine years, our lovely friend

We are all going to miss you

Don’t worry it’s not the end…

Pop in from time to time

Drop by for a cup of tea

We’ll keep your seat warm for you

Where all your friends you’ll see

You brighten up a Thursday

With everything you do

We will cherish every memory

THANK YOU for being you.”