CHARITY shop volunteers Minnie Stevenson and Olwen Lewis have proved that age is no barrier to community commitment. The pair, who are friends and neighbours, have battled all weathers to carry out their regular voluntary stints at Watchet's St Margaret's Hospice outlet. But now they have decided to retire - at the impressive age of 97 and 91 respectively. Minnie and Olwen, who are both widows, are the shop's oldest volunteers and have worked there since it opened 12 years ago. And on their last day in the job on Tuesday, work colleagues threw a leaving party for the record-making pair. Shop manager Ann Grenville said Minnie and Olwen, who live in Washford and have to catch a bus to Watchet, were a great team. "They have literally battled rain and wind to always arrive in time for the morning shift," she said. "I have always been astounded at their determination and resilience never to let the hospice down." Minnie and Olwen have many other outside interests in addition to their dedicated support of the hospice. Minnie is secretary of Willow Grove Riverside Club and a long serving member of the Royal British Legion Women's Section, having once been a standard bearer at the Festival of Remembrance at London's Royal Albert Hall. She is also known for her cooking skills, always baking up a storm of sponges and cakes for a range of local organisations. "St Margaret's Hospice is grateful for all their work and dedication," said Ann. "We shall miss them in Watchet and we all wish them a happy retirement and every good wish for the future. But the pair are not cutting ties completely with the shop. "They have promised to call and make sure we are still doing things correctly," said Ann. With Minnie and Olwen's departure, the shop is now looking for a couple of replacements. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Ann on 01984 633955.