The Volunteer Recruitment Fair, held at the brand new Newbury College on Saturday 25th January 2003, turned out to be a great success. Most of the organisations taking part reported that they had found at least one suitable volunteer, with some managing to fill all their vacancies. The college turned out to be a superb venue for the occasion; the staff went out of their way to assist the people and groups taking part, and helped to make the event an enjoyable experience for all concerned.

Both the Newbury Weekly News and the Chronicle were there to see what was going on, and have kindly granted us permission to use their reports and photograph here:

VOLUNTARY GROUPS from across West Berkshire set out their stalls on Saturday, at the Newbury Volunteer Recruitment Fair held at Newbury College.

Television presenter Mary Green performed the official opening of the event, which gave 51 organisations the chance to meet potential recruits and explain how they helped in the community.

Organisations taking part ranged from charities such as Oxfam and Age Concern, community organisations such as Newbury College Basic Skills and the Community Furniture Project, through to support groups such as Homestart West Berkshire and West Berkshire Nightstop.

One of the civic guests, West Berkshire Council chairman Mr Steve Pascall, paid tribute to those volunteers who made any kind of contribution to the community, even if it was only a few hours per week.

Mary Green, who presents the 'Meridian Tonight' news programme, said that she had spoken to people who had been helped by volunteers from some of the organisations represented at the fair. "They all told me the same story - how much those people are valued and how much their help is needed," she said.

Mary Green later judged and awarded the £100 prize put up by the Vodafone UK Foundation for the Most attractive and imaginative stand to Val Howard of PALS (Partners for Active Leisure) a charity that provides leisure opportunities for five-to-18 year old people with physical disabilities.

Other guests included the town mayors of Newbury, Thatcham and Hungerford, Newbury MP Mr David Rendel, and the patron of the Newbury Volunteer Bureau, Mr Jonathan Hopson.

The day was organised by the Newbury Volunteer Bureau, whose director, Mr Garry Poulson, estimated that approximately 250 potential volunteers had attended.

He said: "All the hard work and planning paid off and I hope that those new volunteers and contacts materialise into long term support. I am grateful to each of the organisations that made the event work, It was a true partnership event."

Mr Poulson also thanked the Vodafone UK Foundation, the West Berkshire Rural Transport Partnership, Kick FM and Newbury College for their support, and co-organiser Mr Brian Bellamy.

Guests at the Newbury Volunteer Recruitment Fair (from left) the chairman of trustees of Newbury Volunteer Bureau, Mrs Gill Hall, Hungerford mayor Mrs Janette Kersey, Mr Jonathan Hopson, Mr Steve Pascall, Newbury mayor Mrs Frances Berry, Thatcham mayor Mrs June Judge, broadcaster Mary Green, Mr Garry Poulson, and volunteers Mellissa Needham and Karen Anderson of the West Berkshire Nightstop charity

Newbury Weekly News, 30th January 2003

More than the usual suspects attend volunteer recruitment fair

Hundreds of people turned up to see how they could lend a hand to scores of West Berkshire groups and charities at Newbury College on Saturday.

Called More Than the Usual Suspects Wanted, the event organised by the Newbury volunteer Bureau, based at Bolton Place in Newbury, was aimed at getting more people to sign up and give an hour or more of their free time as volunteers.

The day before the fair the national Do-it volunteer database computer was aboard a special Youth Net double decker bus parked in Market Place.

Newbury Volunteer Bureau director Garry Poulson said: "About 250 people turned up and it really got going after about 10am. It exceeded all expectations - and there was a steady flow of people coming through the doors throughout the day.

"The organisations I spoke to told me they had picked up useful contacts which was extremely good, the buzz word of the day was networking.

"We are grateful to the college, and financial support from the Vodafone UK Foundation, also the West Berkshire Rural Transport Network - we couldn't have done it without them."

The winner of the best stall went to the PALS organisation, which won the top prize of £100, donated by the Vodafone foundation, for their special banner made by the children.

If you missed the recruitment fair and want to volunteer, contact the bureau on 01635 49004, fax 01635 524179, or by email at jobshop@nvb1.fsnet.co.uk.

Chronicle, 30th January 2003

Rogues' Gallery

Here are some of the many groups and people who helped to make the day a success. Click on any of the small pictures to see a full-sized version (then click 'Back' on your browser to return to this page).