Last Sunday I was delighted to attend a special tea to recognise the positive impact volunteers bring to families and local organisations across the city. Hundreds of organisations had been asked to select just a few volunteers to represent them at this new event. Portsmouth Cathedral did our ballot using a virtual online hat, and I (Jude) and two other volunteers, Celia Johnson and Marian Wendon, were lucky enough to be chosen.
Making the most of the marquee that had been set up for the University Graduations, our host, Lord Mayor Cllr Abdul Kadir, and members of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal Committee were able to meet and greet many of the two hundred or so volunteers there.
Basking in more of this brilliant weather we have been experiencing, the guests were invited to enjoy live music, refreshments, delicious sandwiches and cakes.
It was wonderful to be able to chat to other volunteers and find out what they do and how volunteering has enhanced their lives. We met a fellow Cathedral Volunteer, Andy Pottinger, who also volunteers with the Portsea Men’s Shed.
It was a delightful afternoon, which I hope will be repeated next year, giving other volunteers the opportunity to attend.
Jude – Lead Shop Volunteer