SANDBANK Village Hall was the setting for a well-attended Volunteer Fair, with over 40 locals coming together to celebrate the efforts of the community groups on their doorstep.
Organised by Sandbank Community Development Trust (SCDT), Scenic Sandbank and Oakbank Community Inn, the fair, which took place late last month, promoted community groups and the volunteering opportunities available to local residents.
Stalls were set up by local groups; Holy Loch Sailing Club, Sandbank Village Hall, Holy Loch Nature Reserve, Scouts, Cowal University of the Third Age, Dunoon Burgh Hall, MCR Pathways, Comann nam Prant Cowal, Sandbank Primary PTA and Argyll Befrienders. Sandbank Beavers leader Fiona and young Volunteer Orrin ran a colourful arts and crafts table for kids.
The event co-ordination was supported by Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (AB TSI) and Argyll and Bute Councils Community Development Team.
Sue McKillop of Scenic Sandbank and Oakbank Community Inn said: “We were delighted to meet a number of people keen to support our organisations. It’s encouraging to see new volunteers coming forward to help us continue our work.”
John Parker, chair of Sandbank Community Development Trust, added: “This was a great opportunity to bring together organisations and people from across Sandbank. The fair showed the strength of community spirit and the wide range of groups working locally.
“The organisers also wish to express their gratitude to Sandbank-based businesses Ferguslie Garage and CX Services Ltd for their generous support, which helped make the Fair such a success. Alongside the dedication of local Third Sector Organisations, their kind contributions highlighted the power of community spirit and what we can achieve when we come together.”
Janis Marshall Reilly of Argyll and Bute TSI reflected on the positive atmosphere of the event: “There was a lovely buzz in the room as organisations took the chance to catch up with one another – as well as enjoy meeting the many interested villagers that came in to browse the opportunities. Events like this shine a spotlight on the difference volunteers makebringing our communities together and enriching all of our lives.”
The Volunteering opportunities presented at the fair will be displayed on SCDTs website (sandbankcdt.co.uk) and the TSIs volunteer portal (volunteerargyllandbute.org). Please check those sites, or feel free to contact any of the aforementioned organisations directly if youd like to find out more.
For wider volunteering support across Argyll and Bute, visit www.argylltsi.org/volunteering
