General Chat

Hi Ros, I have often wondered about transcribing, but have never really looked into it Sue, the Book of Remembrance must have been quite an achievement Jan, you sound like another very busy lady; if people want something doing I guess they come to you. Btw I have a friend in Hayle, wonder if you know her, she used to have a record shop there Susan, it must be emotionally draining with cancer patients, although I guess it is very rewarding as well Buggs, do you get many young volunteers with conservation work ? I did work experience in a children’s home in the 60’s Maggie, and conditions there were pretty grim. You certainly seem to have helped make changes, music and art is so therapeutic isn’t it Hi Liz, what we the public want, and what the council thinks we need are two very different things at times aren’t they? Your committee certainly seems to have made an impact Dee xx

O.H. an I are on the management committee of our local Village Hall and have been for almost 30 years with only a couple of years break. He is the chairman and I am the secretary, but the job descriptions don't do us justice! LOL There is no caretaker so any odd jobs that need doing, help with the cleaning and general maintenance, decorating, refitting the kitchen, any complaints or problems - just call us. Because you can be sure no other b***** will be interested! You name it, we do it, along with a neighbour whose job title is treasurer. The Hall is a registered charity, non profit making, and for the use of the Community and others. We have an AGM when we always ask for new committee members and volunteers, but nobody wants to know. The complaints and moans are always there, but no new blood volunteers to help us ''oldies''. The youngest committee member is 58 now and the oldest 86 - where has the community spirit gone? I'll probably be saying this in another 20 years too, but I wouldn't do it if I didn't enjoy it! Sue xx

i work for voice over

A few years back I worked at my local hospital as a voluntary 'hairdresser'. I was not a professional but managed to shampoo and stick a few rollers in and it made the patients feel better. Until one day, this woman begged me to dye her hair as she had an inch of white roots showing. It was against the rules, but I smuggled in some hairdye and we locked the bathroom door and I got to work. Unfortunately, the result was a frightening shade of carrot, but she obligingly hid it under a turban for a few days, just to protect me! lol but it was discovered and I became the only voluntary hairdresser to be...*blushes....sacked....lol...BC XX

Hya Dee As I may have told you when we met up I am a voluntary helper at school,my Niece who is Deputy head got me involved when I retired from Nursing I and love it,I do a half day a week or somtimes two and also go on school trips. Of course i had to have a police check to do this.

Hi Dee, I am also a Volunteer for HomeStart. I have been with them for 6 years now and love it. As you mentioned it is helping families with young children. I find it is great when we have helped the families with whatever problems they may have had. Many a friendship is formed. We have our regular 'training sessions' and have a good laugh. I would recommend being a volunteer for Home Start. Sue

I've worked for quite a few different voluntary organisations over the years and enjoyed each one. Sometimes though you need a change to keep you motivated. At present I work with disabled people as a mentor, I also do the newsletter and am chair of the social group. I have really enjoyed this work. i think volunteering is great for loads of reasons, gets you out, helps others, etc and I think all youngsters should get involved, it helps them when they are looking for work Janet

Hi I volunteer with Riding for the Disabled one morning a week at the moment. the session I help with is for children with special needs.I really enjoy seeing the children enjoy themselves riding. I'm learning to drive a carridge so that I can help at other sessions. Sue

Thank you to everyone for adding (BC - remind me not to ask you to colour my hair for me when I see you) Dee xx

Many years ago, I used to help out at a handicapped childrens centre a couple of times a week. We used to help get them involved with play and fun stuff and I was only a teenager myself, but it gave me a lot back as well. xx Jill

I work Voluntary for the National Trust at Speke Hall in Liverpool. Its a beautiful Tudor Mansion aged 450 to 500 years and Im a room steward, I tell you about the history of the rooms and the house. Why do I work there, spent most of my childhood playing down there and have always admired the house its a piece of history that should be kept. I work usually on a Sunday, but if Im off work on holiday will spend most of the week down there if they are short staffed and will be there this afternoon. Love it, and would love to own the house.

Hi Yvonne, I am at Ightham Mote most Fridays during the season, it's great fun working for National Trust, and I have learnt so much about pre Victorian History Dee xx

I dont have much time nowadays, but did a long stint in the local Hospice Charity Shop some years back, and thoroughly enjoyed it - would recommend it to anyone who has the time to devote. New stock every day, lots of lovely people hunting bargains, good laughs too and the proceeds help those that need it. Well done to all of those who selfishlessly (?) devote their time and efforts to others less fortunate. When I retire I intend to offer my services (whatever they are - lol) to anybody who will have me. Jac

morning everyone i am a volunteer reader at a local primary school, governor at nursery and secretary of a local group. regards jackie.