12 January 2007
Award Ceremony to recognise volunteers in East Hampshire
An award ceremony will be held in March to recognise the contribution that volunteers in East Hampshire make to their communities.
There are hundreds of enthusiastic people who give their time freely to voluntary organisations in East Hampshire. From helping out at the local hospital, being an adviser at a Citizens Advice Bureau, an advocate for a vulnerable person to helping at a youth organisation or sports group, there are many activities going on.
Usually they are unsung heroes, which is why the Volunteer Centre at Community First is delighted that Councillor Brian Dutton, the Chairman of East Hampshire District Council, is to host a ceremony in March to recognise the contribution volunteers make to their communities. The Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mrs Mary Fagan is going to present certificates to those volunteers nominated by their organisation, for their commitment and their outstanding service to the community.
Last year, one volunteer trustee of an organisation said: ”When I was told I had been nominated for an award, I was speechless – a rare occurrence for me. It was totally unexpected and, in a way, a lovely feeling, as being a Trustee for the CAB and a SSAFA Forces Help caseworker is something I do – we all do – without any fuss or publicity. That’s the way it works.
“So when I was nominated for an award, I was also happy on behalf of everyone who is involved with these organizations. It is good to feel that our work is recognized and supported by Community First East Hampshire.”
The Chairman of the Council, Councillor Brian Dutton says: “It is an honour to be hosting the event. Since becoming a Councillor, I have met the most extraordinary array of volunteers who make the district a very desirable place in which to live. The volunteers and organisations are too innumerable to mention by name, but all volunteers deserve recognition for the selfless devotion to their cause. The awards represent the community’s recognition for their work and I’m sure that each recipient will be aware that this also recognises the organisations in which they are involved.”
All voluntary organisations in East Hampshire have been invited to nominate volunteers to be recognised for their voluntary work. Forms should be returned to the Volunteer Centre by 5th February, at the latest.
For more information contact the Volunteer Centre at Community First East Hampshire, The Tilmore Centre, 1 Tilmore Road, Petersfield, GU32 2HG, 01730 710017 or
volunteer@communityfirst-easthampshire.org.uk.