Volunteers working across The Fremantle Trust’s care services in Bucks came together for a special awards dinner held at Cherry Garth care home in Holmer Green during Volunteers’ Week.

Volunteers’ Week is an annual national awareness week which was set up to celebrate the incredible contribution made by people of all ages who give back to their communities.

Attendees enjoyed a delicious three-course meal and were presented with special awards by Neil Spencer from the First Holmer Green Scout Group, who has received the Silver Wolf award - the highest honour made by The Scout Association.

Among the attendees being recognised at the event were Caroline Lombardelli from Farnham Common House (Farnham Common), David Snowdon from The Heights nursing home (High Wycombe) and Bill Brackley from Lent Rise House (Burnham).

Caroline, whose career included roles such as Senior Vice President of American Express, has fostered children for eight years. She has volunteered at Farnham Common House for just over a year, where she gets involved with baking activities and enjoys having conversations with residents.

87-year-old David Snowdon has supported the Trust for many years in a number of capacities and he has also been part of the South Bucks Association for the Disabled. David particularly enjoys supporting activities and provided funds to purchase two Boccia sets (a form of bowls) for Lent Rise House when his wife, Audrey, was there before she moved to The Heights.

David said:

The most important thing for me about volunteering is ensuring that I am able to encourage involvement for others so that they can participate and live a meaningful life with fun and enjoyment.

Bill Brackley also agrees that volunteering is a great way of giving back, especially after losing his wife, Pam, who was a resident at Lent Rise House. Bill enjoys helping in the gardens at the care home, tending plants, pruning and doing odd jobs and handiwork.

Sue Faulkner, community and lifestyle manager at The Fremantle Trust, added:

We thoroughly enjoyed the evening as it was a valuable opportunity to say thank you to volunteers across our services who give their time so freely.
 

It’s vital that we recognise their work and the contribution they make to create vibrant communities in which residents and their wider family network can all thrive.