IT was the end of an era and the start of a new one for a Tavistock volunteer group last week, with the retirement of one of its key members of staff. Julia Easton has been the co-ordinator at Tavistock CVS and Volunteer Centre for almost ten years. She retired last Thursday, when she handed over the reins to Whitchurch resident Billie Burnett. Julia said: ?My husband is retiring at the same time as me, so we thought it was a good time to make the move. ?It?s been brilliant working here with my colleagues. It?s such a diverse job, although it?s changed a lot since I started. ?It?s been great meeting the public and interviewing them, trying to find them placements. It?s been very interesting and I?ve thoroughly enjoyed it.? Jan Simpson, the manager and chief officer at the centre, who has worked with Julia for the last nine years, said: ?It?s been a great pleasure to work with Julia ? she is one of the kindest people you are ever likely to meet. ?She?s patient and tolerant and she has always had a lovely way with the volunteers.? Jan said one of the major parts of Julia?s job was to interview prospective volunteers at the centre. ?She?s been so good at teasing things out of them, she will always find a way of discovering what skills they have and where they will be happy,? said Jan. She said the volunteer centre was very relieved that Billie Burnett, the wife of former West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett, was coming to join them. ?Julia?s impending retirement was a huge worry, but to find someone like Billie, with her great local knowledge, is wonderful,? said Jan. Billie said: ?It?s marvellous to be involved and to be able to help people who want to volunteer ? and the community groups themselves. It?s very exciting and fulfilling work.? Tavistock CVS and Volunteer Centre is based at King Street in Tavistock and is open between 10am and 2pm, Tuesday to Friday. It can be contacted on 01822 618224.