Annual Volunteer Awards

Preparations for our 14th Annual Volunteer Awards Evening went very well with very few last minute emergencies. This we believe is the result of many years of practice and as they say ‘practice makes perfect’. In fact the whole event went so smoothly we felt a little bit too laid back, there is nothing like a problem to get the adrenaline going.

Each year around 50 local volunteers are nominated to receive a certificate of recognition by their charity or voluntary group. We know this is a small representation of the hundreds of people volunteering in our city, but it is lovely to see those that are honoured. Volunteers play such a vital part in our city, without them both statutory and voluntary services would not function to the level they currently do. With service demand increasing, funding for everyone getting more challenging, volunteers help with education, policing, fire services, health, transport, community services, leisure and our environment (to name but a few). Volunteering also provides opportunities for the volunteers themselves to keep skills going, learn new skills, help with social isolation and increase confidence. But running a volunteer programme takes time and a great deal of planning to get the most out of volunteers.

Our Lifetime achievement award this year went to the Reverend Richard Paten. Richard was the founder of Railworld in the city and his family has a great deal of history in Peterborough. We heard a fascinating account of Richard from his Railworld Colleague Brian Pearce. This prompted a standing ovation for Richard when he came onto stage to receive his award.

Once again our volunteer awards were very successful and we would like to thank all who attended and helped particularly Jane Smith from BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, Mayor Cllr Irene Walsh and Cllr Marco Cereste.