By Jill Stocks
There are many volunteers working behind the scenes in the community, representing many organisations, and doing so many different jobs from making tea and gardening, to organising events and litter picking.
Here’s just a snapshot of the wonderful volunteers in Horsforth who help make the town what it is.
Volunteers for MHA Communities Horsforth are vital to helping to run the numerous sessions that make up their programme of events at Central Methodist Church on Town Street from bacon butty club to tai chi, from Rummikub to dance fit. Thursday lunch club, and the delicious homemade weekly special, is a lovely opportunity for a lovely meal in good company.
Volunteers at the Leeds Women’s Aid shop on New Road Side work hard to raise funds to provide services for domestic abuse victims and survivors of abuse, as well as raising awareness of the issues and being a much loved part of the community. From sorting donations to working on the till and keeping the shop tidy the team work hard to keep the shop looking good with a lovely range of goods.
Shop manager Anna Bragger said: “This week we’re shining a spotlight on our incredible shop volunteers who regularly give their time, energy and dedication to Leeds Women’s Aid.
“To celebrate, we held a lovely volunteers coffee morning at the shop and presented each of our volunteers with an award which values their unique skills and personalities!
“To all of our volunteers – thank you. We are so grateful for everything you do and our shop wouldn’t be the same without you.”
Horsforth’s most famous litter picker Reggie was out last week, assisted by his dad, Dave Holgate, keeping Horsforth tidy and collecting quite a haul of detritus along the way, from mattresses to discarded vapes and food wrappers. Horsforth Litter Pickers are regularly out and about in the community and always looking for more volunteers to join them to help keep the town litter free.
A bit of rain can’t put off Horsforth In Bloom’s volunteers. They’re out in all weathers tending to the planters and flower beds all over Horsforth and if you are green fingered you would be welcome to join them. Or perhaps you’d like to get involved with the Japanese Garden or the Community Garden in Hall Park. Check out the Friends of Horsforth Hall Park website for more details.
Horsforth Farmers Market draws the crowds on the first Saturday of every month to a mixture of food stalls, community information and entertainment. Volunteers help to welcome visitors as well as helping with the set up and take down of the stalls.
And the final word goes to Horsforth Town Council who took to social media last week to acknowledge Horsforth’s volunteers, and also acknowledge their own councillors who themselves are volunteers, organising events in the town and dealing with day to day issues.
“Every day, volunteers give up their time, energy and skills to support others, deliver vital services, organise activities and help make our community such a special place to live. Their dedication, kindness and commitment make a real difference, and we are truly grateful for everything they do.
“We would also like to recognise all our volunteer town councillors, who dedicate countless hours of their time both in the public eye and behind the scenes to ensure that so many fantastic events, projects and activities can take place throughout the year. Their hard work and passion help our community continue to thrive.
“Together, these volunteers and councillors help make our community one of the very best places to live in Leeds (although we may be a little biased!).
“Thank you all for everything you do. Your efforts do not go unnoticed and are greatly appreciated.”
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