Gloucestershire Young Volunteer of the Year

I was delighted to welcome Alfie Lightstone and his family to the Parlour for afternoon tea. Alfie, pictured third from the left above, who is a student at Pittville School, won the Gloucestershire Young Volunteer of the Year award. We all enjoyed a lovely afternoon chatting about Cheltenham, the Robins, the climate emergency and eating meat amongst other things. Well done Alfie, a thoroughly deserved award!

Cadet Force Volunteers

The Mayoress and I were invited to the fabulous Highnam Court by the Gloucestershire Army Cadet Force for the King’s Coronation Medal Parade which celebrates the work and service of the Cadet Force volunteers. The force has two troops in Cheltenham – at Arle and Charlton Kings. Membership is free, and they offer a wide range of experiences and skill sets along-side the opportunity to make new friends. Call 01242 700063 or email wx-glo-groupmailbox@rfca.org.uk for more details.

Bangladeshi Community Centre

One of my highlights this month was an invitation to the Bangladeshi Community Centre where I had the opportunity to meet, address and thank this wonderful group of local people who contribute so much to our town. I told them how much they are valued and welcomed, and how much the diversity of our town has been enhanced by the presence of different faiths and cultures. They made me feel incredibly welcome.

Brizen Trust Youth Activity Scheme

It was great to meet and thank all those involved in the Youth Activity Scheme run by the Brizen Trust. Also present to acknowledge the great work of the Trust’s volunteers were Councillors Tony Oliver, Iain Dobie, former Councillor Anne Regan, and Cheltenham’s MP Max Wilkinson.

Springbank Community Group

And finally, thank you to the Springbank Community Group for inviting me to their rather damp Fun Day – despite the weather, everyone had a smile on their face. Special thanks to organiser Faith (pictured above with two of the amazing Food Pantry volunteers) for showing me around, and thanks to all the other organisations which supported the event by joining in – including the Girl Guides who do such a fabulous job but are in need of more volunteers. Visit girlguiding.org.uk if you’d like to join or volunteer.