Cheering Volunteering: A joyous affair at The Rufus Centre
Monday, 12 June 2023
It was day of connections, conversations and cake for the volunteers of Central Bedfordshire at a celebration event held at The Rufus Centre, Flitwick on Wednesday 7 June.
The Cheering Volunteering event recognised and thanked all the volunteers throughout Central Bedfordshire for the excellent support they provide to their local communities.
This annual event, which we host and organise in partnership with CVS (Community Voluntary Service) and Beds RCC (Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity), is part of the national Volunteers’ Week. Attendees were greeted by local dignitaries and ward councillors, including the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada and the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Russell Beard.
The day was split into two sessions, the first filled with entertainment provided by The Townsend Choir, fun activities, networking opportunities and advice from a selection of stallholders. Each volunteer was given a ‘goodie bag’ to take away.
Councillor Gareth Mackey, Chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council, thanked the volunteers in a speech.
Reflecting on the event, Councillor Mackey said:
It was a great honour to open this year’s Cheering Volunteering event. Volunteers and community organisations are the very beating heart of our communities, a lifeline to so many people. They add immensely to quality of life and are the key to a caring, vibrant and strong community.
I am excited to celebrate the dedication of our amazing volunteers, especially in Volunteering Week, and hope that their example will encourage a greater participation by more of our caring residents.
Councillor Rebecca Hares, our Executive Member for Health and Community Liaison, added:
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities, their enthusiasm and hard work are a testament to the spirit of generosity and compassion that exist in our communities, that are often forgotten or overlooked.
I was honoured to open the afternoon Cheering Volunteering event, which is designed to show volunteers the enormity of gratitude we feel for the ongoing value and benefit they provide our communities, although following on from the Townsend Choir of Houghton Regis was no easy task!
Also announced at the event, which was sponsored by FCC Environment, Grand Union Housing and Pro Logis, were the 12 recipients of this year’s Inspiring Volunteering grants. A total of £5,000 will be shared by a dozen local groups and organisations to support their volunteer activities.