Boost for town's voluntary sector

Appropriately, in the 'Year of the Volunteer' , charities, clubs, organisations and societies in the world's first Garden City were given a real 'pick-me-up' by the town's Heritage Foundation.

In common with the rest of the UK, some voluntary groups in the area are struggling to retain membership, so the first North Herts Voluntary Sector Fair at the Spirella Ballroom, on the weekend of October 29/30, provided an opportunity to recruit new volunteers, attract new members, raise their profile, get tips on fund-raising and attend the free professional 'How to' seminars.

Just over 1,000 visitors turned up during the two day event, paying no admission fee and the various participating organisations, which only paid a nominal £5 for a state-of-the-art exhibition stand, gave the event a real 'thumbs-up.'

Visitors to the fair also had the opportunity to enter into a free prize draw to win a Sanyo 27" flat screen LCD TV with designer stand, worth over £800. The winner, Mrs Veronica Graham of Letchworth Garden City, was picked out from over 500 entries by Director General of the Heritage Foundation, Stuart Kenny.'

The event attracted The Comet as its main sponsor and there were over 40 exhibitors, from a diverse range of organisations. From St John's Ambulance to Letchworth Chorale, Home-start North Herts to Letchworth Golf Club and so forth - the response to participate was magnificent.

The seminar programme ran throughout the weekend and covered the key issues facing charitable and voluntary organisations, including recruitment and fund-raising. There was practical advice from leading experts from charity, HR, training and professional backgrounds at the seminars.

Heritage Foundation Director General Stuart Kenny, said: "The Foundation were delighted to organise this inaugural event. We take seriously the commitment and dedication the many volunteers in our town display year in, year out, to keep their particular organisation functional and successful.

"These groups are at the very heart of our town's community life and the Foundation salutes their endeavours and will continue to support them through our grant process wherever possible.

"The Foundation would also like to thank The Comet for its generous sponsorship."