Sneering at people who work for the church.

Well back in the day when I was a child there were a couple of Ladies who would definitely got the hump over ‘ doing the teas & who’s flower arrangement skills were considered the best.
But yes you are probably right these days I imagine some would love to hand over the reins, but can’t find willing hands to replace them & are too dedicated too leave .

Another issue is that retired grandparents are so busy helping with looking after grandchildren, often at the same time as caring for very elderly parents.

Our church is the same, both churchwardens are in their 70s. All of us in flower group are that age and the very active leader of flower group who does the most stunning arrangements with speed and ease is in her 80s. Organist and choir master and almost all of us in the choir are 70s and 80s.

Our church is exactly the same, the cleaners are all into their seventies and the head sacristan is 78, he too is on first name terms with all the undertakers.

My father was still the 'major-domo' at his church until his last illness when he was 92. Every wedding, funeral or other church event, he was on hand and on the altar making sure everything went to plan.

He knew all the local undertakers - and they knew him.

No you are not being unreasonable

Yes, in our church, some of the ‘ volunteers’ were doing as much if not more than the paid workers. It’s a lot of time to commit when you’re working full time.

No Beswitched you're not being unreasonable for finding that annoying.

Since Mr. S. retired we've been doing more volunteer work for our church; we're among the youngest in our congregation.

I think that's a very valid point Ilovecheese.

Could the shortage of volunteers be another unintended consequence of women being unable to retire at 60?
Another unappreciated job that women in their sixties used to do, and now have to continue working instead?