by Lorraine Gibson

With this week being Volunteers Week, it’s a good time to thank those who, often unsung and unseen, help keep things going in our neighbourhoods.

With the Big Help Out an integral part of the Coronation weekend, one Dorset volunteer ended up getting more involved in the celebrations than she could have imagined…
NHS responder Juliet Mosney was doing a quick check of her junk mail when she got a right royal surprise.

“I’d been nominated for a Coronation Champion Award for my involvement in the NHS Volunteer Responder Scheme and, rather underwhelmingly, discovered I was a winner when I found an email in my junk folder!”

Juliet, a former teacher at St. Michael’s Middle School, Colehill, was chosen as one of 500 national Coronation Champions.

“I had to keep it secret until a big social media launch – and then I shared my joyful news with anyone that would listen!”

Next, a stunning presentation box arrived in the post. “It contained a beautiful certificate, signed by Their Majesties, and a Coronation pin badge.”

There was more.

“I was invited to attend the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle. I took my 15-year-old nephew, Finlay as my escort.”

As well as being a responder, Juliet also moderated the largest unofficial Facebook group with more than 10,000 volunteers, and became the Volunteer Representative on the organisation’s advisory board.

‘I am also in the National Design Group for the planning of the future of the NHS Volunteer Responder Scheme.’

She has been volunteering since she was a student at Blandford Upper School.
“I remember winning an award from the Lions Club for volunteering. At the start of the Pandemic, Matt Hancock requested an ‘army of volunteers’ to support people in our communities.

“I signed up with the NHS and received alerts via the GoodSAM App. I did shopping and collecting prescriptions.

“People were overwhelmed to have vital supplies delivered and most loved a socially-distanced chat on the doorstep.”

Of the Coronation concert, she says: “We were blessed with a glorious, sunny evening.
“I’d seen details of the huge stage on TV, but nothing prepared me for the stunning backdrop of Windsor Castle against glorious clear blue skies.

“The crowd was well warmed up by DJ, Scott Mills and then Olly Murs got the show off to a great start.

“The Royal Family arrived to the loudest ovation. I could see them from my seat and they were all up dancing, waving their flags and luminous wrist bands. I was disappointed it was past Prince Louis’ bedtime!

“Finlay enjoyed the spectacular drones that unexpectedly lit up the night sky.”
Juliet has supported Encircles, a charity for the homeless, and Horatio’s Garden, a charity that provides beautiful gardens in spinal centres and was founded at Salisbury Hospital.
“I have my own health issues,” she says, “which is why I am no longer able to teach, but I have transferable skills I can use to support others.

“Volunteering was key to the Coronation weekend and I will continue to do my bit to serve those in need.”

nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk.