Where would our communities be without volunteers? So many do so much good, enriching the lives of others. The Spelthorne Civic Awards is an opportunity to publicly recognise and thank these wonderful people. The list included Marjorie Colnbrook for the Shepperton Red Cross and the Hope Club, Douglas and Sally Dick for Sailability and Care in Shepperton, Heather Morris for 1st Shepperton Scout Group and Peggy Pickering for the Shepperton Arts Group.
Speaking at the launch of Spelthorne in Bloom, the new High Sheriff of Surrey, Elizabeth Kennedy spoke about the importance of volunteering and what a huge difference it had made to her own life. She quoted JFK “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country”.
If we all made that effort the do for others, the world (and our communities) would be a better place. Ms Kennedy spoke of fostering good relationships, civic pride and making our communities better places to live. Volunteering is not just about giving though – you get so much back through seeing the difference your actions make to the lives and well being of others.
If you have time to spare then why not look at the many volunteering opportunities in Spelthorne? VAIS is the support body covering hundreds of such organisations in the borough. See their website: www.voluntaryactioninspelthorne.co.uk.