Martin Tuck explains how he got involved in volunteering for Citizens Advice North Herts.

I live in Buntingford with my wife Diane. We have three grown up daughters and are up to four grandchildren so far. I was born in London and moved to Hitchin aged four, where I attended school.

After a career in teaching I retired from being a Primary Head ten years ago and worked part time for Herts University and Herts Education Authority for six years. I still enjoy visiting Hitchin and wandering round with fond memories of my childhood!

I am now fully retired and always felt I wanted to give something back to the community. I am extremely impressed with Citizen Advice North Herts. I have been volunteering since November 2020 and after a three-month remote training package started advising for real.

I do two morning shifts a week and it is all done remotely from home. The professional support given to me by the North Herts team is excellent. I always have an experienced advisor on hand if I am unsure about anything. The buzz is the appreciation you get from clients when you help them.

I have always enjoyed growing things and have a greenhouse and allotment. I love cycling and have discovered e-bikes which really extend horizons. I am starting my fourth year learning to play the piano.

Our oldest daughter Louisa is principal cellist with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. I have managed to accompany her once and it makes me realize I should have started learning much younger!

Not sure if I should admit this but I am a model railway fan and have a layout in the garage. My era is the 1950s and it links back to Hitchin. Just south of Hitchin station is a footbridge that my father used to take me to watch steam trains!

Our volunteers are from different ages and backgrounds and every one brings their own skills and life experiences. We offer a wide range of roles – advisers, receptionists, administrators, fundraisers, campaigners and more.

If you are interested in volunteering with us you can find more information on our website www.northhertscab.org.uk/volunteer/