Frome celebrated National Volunteer Week (1st-7th June) with a series of workshops for volunteers and voluntary organisations, intended to support the work that they do, and offer an opportunity to get to know each other.
Pupils at Selwood School joined in the week with a litter pick collecting six bags of rubbish, using litter picking equipment leant to them by Frome Town Council. Volunteers undertook social media, 1st Aid and basic IT training and organisations learnt more about completing DBS checks, safeguarding and recruiting volunteers.
The week came to a close on Saturday 6th June with a recruitment event for volunteers and with Voluntea in the park on Sunday 7th June. The Silk Mill played host to a number of organisations including The Men’s Shed, Open Storytellers, Mendip Community Credit Union, Fair Frome, Frome Memorial Theatre, Frome Community Education, Share and Incredible Edible, all of whom are looking for new volunteers to come forward and support the work that they are doing in a range of roles.
If you missed the event and would like to know more about the opportunities for volunteering in Frome please visit Frome Town Council’s website or contact any of the organisations directly to ask more.
Sunday saw Frome’s new Mayor Kate Bielby welcome more than 200 volunteers to VolunTea in the park; where they were treated to afternoon tea in a marquee erected especially for the occasion, and were serenaded by Frome Town Youth Band.
A group of fundraisers from Sainsburys in Bath and PAC walked the 15 miles from the Odd Down store to raise funds for the charity and joined the tea party just in time to finish off the cake!
Frome has a vibrant and strong community sector largely supported by volunteers who provide Frome and its residents with a host of services and activities. Kate Hellard community projects officer for Frome Town Council said, “We are delighted at the positive response we have had this week to Volunteers’ Week, and the tea was a great success.
“We are currently looking at how the event could become an annual celebration and a small gesture of thanks to the many volunteers who give their time to support local projects.
“We would like to thank Frome Town Youth Band, South West Marquees and James Morrison Catering for making the day such a special occasion for Frome’s Volunteers, and of course our thanks go to the many volunteers who make Frome such a special place to live.”
Frome Town Council is keen to hear from other community groups who are not yet on their mailing list and are also calling for any photos of the events to be added to the photo album on Facebook. For further enquiries please contact admin@frometowncoun cil.gov.uk or call 01373 465757.
