Celebrating Volunteers at the National Memorial Arboretum During National Volunteers' Week
Public asked to nominate a volunteer for an ‘Outstanding Contribution’ Award
The National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield will be marking the 25th anniversary of the UK's annual Volunteers’ Week (1 – 7 June) by highlighting the vital work of its own volunteers. The week of celebration for these very special individuals will culminate in the presentation of an 'Outstanding Contribution’ Award to one volunteer.
Over 100 volunteers from across the region are involved in a diverse range of activities at the Arboretum and their help is crucial in supporting this national centre for remembrance. Aged from 14 to 81, they give freely in excess of 27,000 hours a year, equivalent to a donation of over £320,000.
Opened just eight years ago, the National Memorial Arboretum comprises 150 acres of trees, gardens and memorials. It is home to the towering Portland Stone walls of the Armed Forces Memorial which honours the 16,000 servicemen and women who have died on duty, or as a result of terrorism, since shortly after the end of the Second World War.
It is the nation’s only such place of remembrance, and now attracts around 300,000 visitors a year, for whom volunteers are often the first point of contact, manning the front desk, welcoming visitors and providing information.
Volunteers also act stewards for events, lead guided walks around the grounds and give talks and presentations to other groups around the country. Other roles include practical grounds maintenance, helping children to appreciate the Arboretum and its wildlife during educational visits and assisting in the gift shop. Many bring specialist knowledge, for instance ecological expertise that has helped in the creation of special wildlife areas.
Helen Overton, the Arboretum's visitor services manager, said: “Volunteers' Week plays a huge part in raising the profile of the millions of volunteers in the UK who contribute so much to our society. They inspire others to get involved, and we welcome this chance to publicly thank our volunteers and celebrate their invaluable contribution.
“Their dedication and enthusiasm has an enormous part to play in making a visit to the Arboretum a memorable and moving experience for our many visitors.”
Volunteers’ Week began in 1984 to raise greater awareness of the importance of volunteers. It is organised by volunteer development agencies across the UK, including Volunteering England, with a series of events taking place around the country to recognise, reward and recruit volunteers.
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