Haydon Wick Parish Council thanks its volunteers with afternoon tea event

To show its gratitude to its army of volunteers, the Haydon Wick Parish Council held a special afternoon tea as a thank you gesture.

The event was held on Saturday 18 February, in celebration of 'all those that dedicate their time to making Haydon Wick a lovely place to live and work.'

Amongst other attendees, the parish council's six volunteer drivers who keep the Community Minibus running smoothly were at the afternoon tea.

The parish council's Community Minibus enables its elderly and vulnerable residents to attend the local shops, local clubs and provides them with trips out to garden centres and places of interest. A spokesperson from the parish council added: "By dedicating their time to this service, they are ensuring many of our residents don’t become isolated or lonely."

Additionally, volunteers helping to run the parish council's award-winning Memory Café were also in attendance. The three ladies are said to 'turn up to each session full of positivity and enthusiasm.'

The parish council say all of the cafes attendees have developed a fantastic rapport with the volunteers and it has been stated that they 'really do change lives. Being able to attend this service, offers activities, fun and support to our families in ways that you cannot imagine.'

Perhaps one of the biggest voluntary areas of Haydon Wick Parish Council is said to be the team of litter pickers, who go out in all weathers to keep the parish a clean, tidy and safe place to be.

The parish council's spokesperson added: "Not only do they go on their own, they quite often have little helpers, in the form of their children and grandchildren. At the afternoon tea, it was a great pleasure to be able to award the young people who also give their time, a certificate, fun trophy and chocolaty treat to say thank you."

"The councillors, staff and community in Haydon Wick are very grateful to each and every one of the volunteers, for the incredible job that they do."