27 MAY 2011
My latest stint of volunteering was at River Bourne Community Farm in Laverstock. This was my third visit to the farm and I am thrilled to see how it has developed and established itself as a valuable community resource.
David Law gave me a superb tour to see the latest initiatives before I was put to work by community artist Laurence Rushby, sorting fleeces for her 1000 sheep art installation.
25 FEB 2011
Last Friday, my latest day of volunteering was spent with the wonderful staff and clients of Turning Point in Stratford Road.
As well as joining in activities with the service users, I was delighted to have the opportunity to chat about funding (and other issues) with team leader Zanna Harris and her dedicated staff.
They do a superb job looking after some of the most vulnerable people in our community and I am proud to have people like them in my constituency.
28 JAN 2011
My latest volunteering stint was with Alabare Christian Care Centres. In an attempt to gain an overview of the vast range of work Alabare does, I was put to work in several sites across the city centre – Cafe Alabare, the drop-in centre and the charity's head office.
There is no better way to gain a full understanding of the work of an organisation and the needs it is addressing than by spending a day getting 'hands-on' with its day to day running and Alabare was no exception. They gave me a tough but thoroughly enlightening and worthwhile day, for which I am very grateful.
17 DEC 2010
My latest stint of volunteering was a most pleasant morning at Truffles Coffee Shop in Winterslow Village Hall, which provides an invaluable service bringing the people of an isolated rural community together.
About 40 local people were there to enjoy good coffee and good company and, although I was put to work on the business end of a tea towel, I was delighted to have plenty of time to chat with the Truffles regulars and find out about the issues that matter to them.
This, to me, is what spending time in the constituency is all about!
29 OCT 2010
Just completed another Volunteer Day, this time helping at Naomi House. I spent the day helping to prepare lunch and got stuck into decorate the house for their Holloween Party, which went brilliantly by all accounts. A big thank you to everyone I met, and keep up the good work.
For those of you who are not aware of teh great work that Naomi House do, check out there website: www.naomihouse.org.uk.
29 SEP 2010
The Jo Benson Day Centre was the setting for my monthly volunteer day. I took part in the quiz and talked to the visitors, as well as a conversation with Lady Jo Benson, who has done a great job with the centre. They even provided me with lunch!
27 AUG 2010
Today was the first of my monthly volunteer days, with the first charity being the Trussell Trust. I was worked hard, moving wool bales about, and I must admit I reckon I'll sleep well. But it was a pleasure to help the charity and those that are involved with its work, as well as the rewarding feeling of giving something back to the community ( in a small way compared to the regular volunteers).
