Call made for volunteers to support community groups

The appeal comes from deputy lieutenant Gerard Richardson and Louise Savage from the town crier committee, who are urging adults of all ages to consider volunteering with groups ranging from cadet units to charities in the area.

Ms Savage, who works with Mr Richardson both professionally and in a voluntary capacity, said: "As a result of my volunteering, I’ve been privileged enough to be presented to Her Majesty the late Queen, visited a nuclear submarine and met countless celebrities, yet every time we put a call out for new volunteers, there was little interest.

"The UK is unusual in that as surprising number of things that people rely on in life such as the RNLI are volunteer led but its getting harder and harder to persuade people to lend some of their time."

She has supported events including Maritime Festivals and more recently, the town crier committee.

Town crier Marc Goodwin echoed the importance of volunteering and the impact it has on the community.

Mr Goodwin said: "As town crier, I’ve had the privilege of visiting so many wonderful volunteers at groups, clubs and events across our town.

"What strikes me time and time again is the incredible sense of satisfaction and fulfilment that volunteering brings.

"It feeds that fundamental sense of belonging and community that we all thrive on."

He said volunteering had given him a genuine sense of reward, achievement and connection.

Mr Goodwin said: "There are so many unsung heroes making our communities what they are – Scout leaders, club and sports leaders, drama groups, village halls, women’s institutes, running clubs and countless other community groups.

"So much of what makes our towns vibrant and connected is fuelled by people who simply give their time because they care.

"That, to me, is the real power of volunteering: a community-led, bottom-up approach to creating better communities and a better society, places where people feel connected, valued and able to thrive."