The Vale of Evesham is famous for a few things – stunning countryside, prized asparagus, being the site of the famous Battle of Evesham that shaped British history and more. Evesham also has an enviable events calendar with 50+ events taking place in the Vale throughout the year, helping to promote all of the great things about the town and draw in visitors which contributes to the local economy.
These events would not run without the efforts of hundreds of volunteers who give up their time to make them happen. This National Volunteers Week we would like to shine a spotlight on a few of these volunteers and what they do to contribute towards making Evesham a better place to live, work and visit. We hope you find their stories inspiring and they give you that little extra nudge to get in touch with one of the events to see how you can support.
Trevor Battersby volunteers in various capacities in and around Evesham including the National Trust, the Alzheimer’s Society and Evesham Rotary Club. He is also a member of the organising committee for the Battle of Evesham events. Trevor has been volunteering with the Battle of Evesham for three years and started volunteering after retiring. Trevor has been involved in a wide variety of things as an events volunteer from publicity and media relations to organising exhibitions. We asked Trevor what he thinks is the best thing about volunteering,
‘There are many but I would categorise them under two headings; being a member of a team to achieve something worthwhile and contributing something to the community.’
Louise Green also volunteers for the Battle of Evesham and another key event in the towns calendar, Evesham Festival of Words. Louise has also volunteered her time with the National Trust, Evesham Arts Centre, Waterloo House in Bidford, the Alzheimer’s Society and shopping for people shielding during Covid. In her role as an events volunteer Louise has helped to erect gazebos, sell merchandise and do litter picking. Louise has this piece of advice for anyone thinking of volunteering at events.
‘Just get on and get involved. People can moan about Evesham being a run-down market town so by helping out events you are encouraging visitors which has to be good for local businesses.’
Glyn Hayter has been volunteering with Evesham Rambling Club who put on the Evesham Walking Festival for over 10 years. Glyn told us that living in such a beautiful part of the world he appreciates what a valuable resource public footpaths are and recognises the limited resources that authorities have for maintaining them. Glyn has also been trained as a Supervisor by Worcestershire County Council which means that he can take groups of volunteers to clear footpaths and improve routes. Glyn said,
‘Providing my time and efforts for free is the least I can do in giving back something for all the enjoyment I experience as a rambler.’
The volunteers we spoke to all mentioned about volunteering being good exercise whether it’s being on your feet all day welcoming visitors, pacing round the town putting up posters, erecting gazebos or carrying way marker posts across the fields!
Volunteering at events provides the opportunity to learn and develop new skills whether that’s learning more about the history of your town, learning how to use a mechanical brush cutter and hedge trimmer correctly or anything in-between! You can also be recognised for the unique skills you can bring to the team from your own experience.
The socialising element of event volunteering is also really important. Glyn told us,
‘There is a great camaraderie within our working party which I thoroughly enjoy and there is a huge sense of satisfaction when I walk past the results of work that I have been involved in. Having designed the discs, I take particular pride in seeing them attached to gates and bridges proclaiming “Installed by Evesham Rambling Club”’.
Trevor and Louise also spoke of annual volunteer gatherings and opportunities to go on trips as part of their volunteering experience.
If you are interested in finding out more about event volunteering opportunities in the Vale of Evesham take a look at the What’s on in the Vale 2023 events calendar and contact event organisers through their websites.
