The work of volunteers in the Burnham-On-Sea area came under the spotlight when a special volunteer day was held on Saturday (June 7th).
Run by the Burnham and Highbridge Regeneration Partnership as part of National Volunteer Week, the event shined the spotlight on dozen local voluntary groups and gave people an opportunity to find out more about how they can help.
A steady flow of visitors visited the event, which was held in Highbridge Community Hall, throughout the day.
Mayoress Jo Burridge officially opened the event, saying: “It’s very encouraging that in an age when we often hear that we live in a cash rich, time poor society there are still many people who volunteer and give freely of their time and energy. This is particularly true in Highbridge and Burnham.”
“Volunteering can be immensely rewarding as well as perhaps giving you the opportunity to meet other people and develop new skills.”
The Mayoress Jo Burridge is pictured above opening the event with organiser Sue Quatermass; Regeneration Partnership Chairman Rose Parsons; and Sarah Steadman of the Regeneration Partnership.
The Mayoress presented volunteers from Burnham and Highbridge Stroke Club with a special letter of thanks to mark the group’s 20th year of servie. Pictured are Jo Burridge, Cath Berry (Chairman) and group members Derrick Stone, Barabar Thorogood and Joyce Beard
The RNLI was one of several voluntary groups at the event. Fundraiser Charlotte Symes-Thompson is pictured here
The Friends of Apex Park group was represented by Joyce Beard
Volunteers Mary Miles, Joyn Bryan and Joyce Dunbavan discussed the role of Highbridge’s Sounds and Voices Talking Newspaper
The Somerset Rural Youth Project was represented by Julie Graham and Maddie Robinson
BARB Operations Manager Steve Perks discussed the important role of volunteers at the Burnham rescue hovercraft charity
Local PCSOs Gill Udall and Claire Chambers explained the importance of volunteers to both the police and Highbridge Youth Club, which was founded by Gill.
