Shipton on Stour in Bloom
For the past eighteen months, Caroline Perkins, below left, has been volunteering at the Shipton-on-Stour, Warwickshire, England recycling center. During this time she has 'rescued' thousands of items, including books, pitchforks, glasses, toys, lawn mowers and all sorts of bric-a-brac for her 'charity cabin' at the skip (i.e. garbage dump in American). Last month one of her daughters, Sabrina, and husband, Shane Perkins, below) joined Caroline in donating additional volunteer hours.
Last spring, Caroline,'rescued' pots from the tip (dumpster to Americans), added 'throw-away' soil, planted seeds, watered the flowers and presto, won the runner-up spot in the Shipton-on-Stour Public Beautification display for 2013!
Another winner is the job placement and training centre of Shipton. Thanks to Caroline in the past year and a half, she has collected 25,000 British pounds from persons purchasing the throw-away items in the her 'charity cabin'! The not-for-profit agency has receive the largess.
Why is Caroline there at the Recycling Centre seven, yes, seven days a week? "A. I believe in the cause. B. I am looking for a job myself but can't drive which limits my possibilities. C. I can walk to this work. D. I really, really enjoy meeting people."
And the joy with which she greets her 'customers' really, really shows. Congratulations from these Americans to Caroline, her family, her co-workers and the lovely community of Shipton-on-Stour, England for making our world prettier and friendlier.
Caroline is a wonderful ambassador for Shipton and England. This American hopes she is on the short list for an end-of-the-year award from the Palace!
Comments may be directed to glennhistory@gmail.com, one of Caroline's satisfied customers!
