The retired horologist has volunteered for The Fed since he retired three years ago
l Why The Fed?
My wife Sandra was working at the time as the office administrator at The Fed’s South Manchester office. I got to hear about the type of work that went on at The Fed and eventually she recruited me. I was attracted by the idea of “giving something back”. Although I would classify myself as a secular Jew, I have a strong sense of both community and tradition. I was keen to give my time to people in difficult circumstances.
l What does your volunteering involve?
Currently, I visit a gentleman who is a retired doctor. He has physical disabilities which mean that he is virtually housebound. I visit him for a couple of hours each fortnight and we sit and talk about all manner of things from politics and sport to current affairs. While I am with him, his wife, who is his carer, has a chance to have some time for herself.
l What is your most memorable volunteering moment?
This is a chat I had with one elderly gentleman, who had managed to get out of Germany before the war. He came to England with nothing but made a huge success of his life. He was an impressive, determined character. He told me how as a young man, due to his persistence and desire to fight on the side of the British, he managed to get into the RAF.