A BOROUGH organisation that matches people’s interests and passions with charities that need their skills recently celebrated its 50th birthday.
The Wokingham Volunteer Centre (TWVC) marked five decades of working with community, voluntary and charitable groups at Wokingham Cricket Club in Sindlesham.
Around 200 volunteers, charity representatives, and invited dignitaries came to a drinks reception and buffet with music from Bracknell cellist Estilla Keszeg.
After speeches, and a presentation of the organisation’s history (to the sound track of Heather Small’s 2001 hit What Have You Done Today To Make You Feel Proud?) there was a traditional cake cutting carried out by Deputy Lieutenant of Berkshire Mrs Lucy Zeal, mayor of Wokingham Borough Council Cllr Adrian Mather, and chair of TWVC Julian Thompson.
Welcoming everyone, Mr Thompson, said: “The Wokingham Volunteer Centre is going from strength to strength, and we plan on being here to serve Wokingham for another 50 years.”
Other guests of honour marking the group’s significant milestone were: mayor of Wokingham Town Council Cllr Rob Comber, deputy mayor of Earley Cllr Nicola Brock and her consort Cllr David Hare, deputy mayor of Woodley Cllr David Brag, Wokingham MP Clive Jones, and Earley and Woodley MP Yuan Yang.
Lucy Zeal said: “This extraordinary organisation has spent the last half century dedicated to the cause of volunteering.
“Its work has profoundly impacted the Wokingham borough community and beyond, benefitting hundreds of charities over the past 50 years.
“This evening we celebrate the many volunteers whose selfless service has been its life-blood – to them we extend our deepest gratitude.”
She went on to explain that volunteering benefits both the receiver and the giver.
“TWVC ensures that every corner of our borough is touched by kindness and generosity,” she said.
“But when we volunteer, we don’t just give back, we gain valuable experiences and skills, meet diverse people, and grow a deeper understanding of the world around us.
“The benefits are huge, improving the mental health of individuals, reducing stress and giving people a greater sense of purpose.
“For the community, it means enhanced services, greater social cohesion, and a network of reliable support.
“Volunteering creates a ripple of positivity that extends far beyond the immediate act.
“Tonight we reflect on the profound impact of the work, and the countless lives that have benefitted.
“To the volunteers who make all this possible, thank you for your spirit of generosity, which forms the foundation of a passionate and thriving community.”
Cllr Adrian Mather agreed: “Wokingham Borough Council relies heavily on the voluntary sector, and volunteers are crucial to our residents, turning up, helping, collecting, and supporting other individuals.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much.”
Cllr David Hare executive member for adult services, health and wellbeing for Wokingham Borough Council, added: “Volunteers are absolutely vital in supporting the borough.
“They can help prevent a lot of people needing to contact Adult Services.
“At Wokingham Borough Council we deal with the hard end of mental health issues, but these volunteers are the people who do the prevention work, and it’s crucial.”
WVTC CEO Nick Fellows, and voluntary services manager Helena Badger gave a potted history of the organisation, reminding people of some of the many different roles, and borough needs, that have been successfully filled over the past 50 years.
They remembered the impact of the pandemic on the borough, and the many ways in which volunteers then rallied round to support the community.
“We still need lots more volunteers,” said Mr Fellows.
“There are so many more people on our waiting list than we can support just now, and we’d love to be able to reach more of them.”
Helena Badger continued: “Whatever your passion, you can do it as a volunteer.”
“One couple who contacted us were hoping to foster.
“While they waited to be considered for that role, they decided to volunteer in order to gain some experience and give something back to the borough.
“When we contacted them a year later, we discovered that they are now fostering.”
TWVC is especially short of drivers and gardeners.
“We have 165 gardens that 50 volunteers are keeping Green and Tidy, and 150 drivers serving 900 clients,” she added.
“But there is a huge waiting list of people who still need help, and we’d love to be able to support more of them.”
Proving that volunteering is good for you, Paul Baily (left) raised a glass with fellow volunteers Mervyn Clark and John Ibbotson.
He said: “I work at Wokingham Theatre building sets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but on Mondays I’m a volunteer driver, taking older residents to medical appointments and social events.
“Most of us, the drivers, don’t know each other because we work independently, so this event is a great opportunity to meet up.”
It’s difficult to believe, looking at him, that Paul is actually older than many of the people he gives lifts to.
“Volunteering keeps you young,” he said.
With 100 charities on its radar, TWVC offers a wide range of opportunities for residents to give back to the community.
To volunteer, and for information, visit: www.wokinghamvolunteercentre.org.uk
