Thanking the district’s volunteers

The contribution of volunteers is often unseen and unrecognised by many, visible only through the incredibly impact of their volunteering. Therefore, taking the time during Volunteers’ Week to celebrate their efforts and all they contribute to our local communities has never been more important.

This Volunteers’ Week, Newark and Sherwood District Council has been celebrating their volunteers, by organising two thank you events – hosted by the Community Development team – which have included afternoon tea with entertainment.

Celia Hemstock, Major Oak PPG Secretary who attended one of the thank you events, said: “I appreciated being invited to the volunteer teas as a representative of the Major Oak PPG and really enjoyed the well organised and entertaining afternoon. The buffet was delicious.”

Volunteers contribute to a wide range of activities including supporting the District Council’s crop drop scheme, our parks and food clubs and opportunities at the National Civil War Centre and the Palace Theatre Newark.

If you volunteer within the district and would like to be kept informed of future volunteering opportunities and events please drop the Community Development team an email at communityengagement@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk

Suzanne Shead, Director of Housing, Health and Wellbeing at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It is really important that each year during Volunteers’ Week we take the time to properly thank our amazing volunteers across the district for their time and commitment to help others in their community.

“It was really lovely to see our volunteers enjoying a delicious afternoon tea at our thank you events and I want to extend my thanks to them all for volunteering – no matter how big or small their contribution is – throughout the district.”

Carys Coulton-Jones, Business Manager of Heritage, Culture and Visitors at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Our volunteers are so important in helping us with the running of the Palace Theatre, National Civil War Centre and Newark Castle – without them we simply couldn’t function! Whether it’s helping visitors navigate their way around the museum, helping show goers find their seats or delivering brilliant tours both throughout the town and at the Theatre, they give their time freely and passionately. I would like to personally thank all of our volunteers for their hard work and dedication.”

Willem Lewis – Henderson, Volunteer Coordinator at Newark and Sherwood CVS, said: “The volunteer celebrations this week were absolutely amazing and every volunteer we spoke to really enjoyed and appreciated them! It is so important that we ensure volunteers in our communities feel valued and celebrated. They do so much for us and our neighbours across the district. A massive thank you from us at CVS for NSDC’s hard work organising and running the celebrations. We're looking forward to Volunteer's Week 2025 now!” 

For further information about volunteering within the district visit: https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/volunteeringopportunities/.