July 2014
VolunteerNews Much of the year so far has been taken up working on the volunteers team that we are building at Lee Valley VeloPark. We have now recruited over 50 volunteers, many former Games Makers and current Park Champions and they have been supporting the venue through the first few months of being open to the public. This has included a number of large events including Revolution and Sport Relief. Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre is now open to the public. Volunteers have already been involved in the opening of this venue for which we are extremely grateful. The conservation and fisheries teams continue to support the work of the park and as we move towards a time of change for the organisation with the development of a Trust and potential changes to how we work we will seek to support all of our volunteer teams up and down the park into the next year. Other teams to mention are the Gardens Team who have gone from strength to strength at Myddelton House under the careful guidance of Andrew the Head Gardener. They have benefited from increased training and communication this year and are developing
Waltham Abbey Gardens in the spring by Jo Gildersleve.
a strong core of skilled volunteers helping to support the gardens. The volunteers of the E.A. Bowles Society have put together an exhibition about Myddelton House which is currently running at Forty Hall and anyone with an interest in the outdoors and particularly gardens should visit this exhibition if they can. The weather so far in the spring and early summer has been kind and volunteer hours appear to be running a little higher than last year although we are still awaiting a few more to be sent in from various teams. Finally, in this edition you will see a piece on the Volunteers’ Party for this year. This is a thoroughly enjoyable event which I look forward to every year. It has grown and grown over the last few years and we are moving to a new location for 2014. If you have not been before it really is worth attending and we will be making the presentations for the 2014 Volunteer of the Year at this event so if you have the time do come and join us to. Paul Roper Volunteers and Community Engagement Manager
New Volunteers Officer I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Jessica Whitehead and I am the new Volunteers Officer at Lee Valley Regional Park. My job is to ensure that all volunteers are happy and enjoying themselves as well as helping to recruit, interview and induct new volunteers. I have had a great deal of experience volunteering myself including for organisations such as TCV (The Conservation Volunteers) and Essex Wildlife Trust. Within my previous job role I was working for an environmental education charity called the Field Studies Council where I was based within Epping Forest. I took on the role of Volunteers Officer at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority as it is a place that is very close to my heart and I really enjoy
Volunteers’ Party 2014 Gunpowder Park 11 September 2014 The Volunteers’ Party has now outgrown Myddelton House and we will be trying a new venue this year. We will be inviting you all to Gunpowder Park on 11 September for a celebration of your support over the past year.
Jessica and Barn Owl in River Lee Country Park in June 2014.
working with volunteers. It has been really nice meeting some of you over the last few weeks and I am looking forward to meeting more of you very soon. If you have any volunteering related questions please do not hesitate to contact me via email jwhitehead@leevalleypark.org.uk or phone 01992 709 867.
Volunteers Committee A Volunteers Committee meeting took place on Thursday 12 June. If there are any points that you would like to bring to our attention please let the Volunteers Team or your representative know before the next meeting will be on 11 September 2014. The representatives are: Fisheries - Colin Short and Bill Draper Conservation - Brian Claxton and Valerie Church Events - Barry Hooper Gardens and Youth & Schools - Jo Gildersleve Bittern Information Point - Mike Clark We are happy to receive nominations for other volunteers to sit on the committee from other venues particularly Lee Valley VeloPark, Lee Valley Riding Centre and Lee Valley Park Farms.
Volunteers Party 2013.
If you volunteer at one of these sites and can attend a meeting once a quarter please let us know volunteers@leevalleypark.org.uk
Lee Valley VeloPark update Over 50 volunteers now recruited. Well done everyone! Image: Caz Lorenzo at the Queen,s Baton Relay in Kent.
Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre
Articles Do you have a story you want to tell in Volunteer News? Has anything funny or interesting happened whilst you have been volunteering that would be worth sharing? Please send articles and pictures in to volunteers@leevalleypark.org.uk
ChExs Project in River Lee Country Park Peter Maiden from ChExs has provided an update on the project he has been running in River Lee Country Park. I would like to thank you and your team for the help and support with Cheshunt Extended Services.
Aerial view of the centre.
The team at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre have been working hard for the last few weeks to prepare for the opening which was a huge success. Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped with the two launch dates. 17 June was the media and stakeholder launch which ran from 09:00 to 14:00 and saw around 160 VIPs, members of the media as well as schools attending. 21 June was the opening day which ran from 09:30 to 16:00 and gave the general public a chance to come and try out these brand new sports facilities for free, including some taster sessions with professional coaches. Volunteer roles on both days included: car parking, front of house, reception duties, wayfinding, visitor help, monitoring equipment and visitors at the external tennis courts and grandstand. Volunteers were dressed smartly in their uniform and worked extremely hard. At these two events they helped to promote the centre by mingling with VIPs at the media launch and people of all ages at the public opening day. In return they were rewarded with a welldeserved lunch.
The volunteering opportunities you have made available for the young people from Cheshunt, Turnford and Goffs schools has been life changing! The ChExs volunteering enrichment projects have supported children and young people who are disadvantaged. They have enabled them to learn practical skills improving the young people’s communication skills, ability to work in a team, confidence and self-esteem by taking part in a fun, positive activity where they can see the immediate results of their hard work. This builds relationships within the community raising self-esteem, confidence and aspirations whilst developing vital life skills. The volunteer work has changed the students’ attitude. When they are given the opportunity to achieve something worthwhile they became proud of not only the tasks completed but proud of themselves for being volunteers and participating in the project. They have had the opportunity to engage with other young people whilst gaining valuable employability skills. We hope the volunteer work will be able to continue in September especially with the work that has been undertaken this year and the feedback we have received.
Volunteers Week 2014 – 30th Anniversary 2 June to 8 June was the 30th anniversary of ‘Volunteers’ Week’ and to celebrate 30 thank you quotes were collected from staff and volunteers throughout Lee Valley Regional Park. “Volunteers are the backbone of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and the work that they do is invaluable. There is an array of tasks undertaken everyday by volunteers across the park, from maintaining the open spaces to helping at events, and I am always impressed with their professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone involved in volunteering and congratulate them on the difference that they make.” Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive Anonymous visitor feedback: “I really hope the aquathlons will be back next year. Many thanks to all the marshals, referees, volunteers and yourself for organising such a brilliant series.” “What a tidy job, East India Dock. I thought that you may like to see what a wonderful job your volunteers can do.” “I visited the Gunpowder Park last week and was impressed to see our stream was flowing nicely over the waterfall and along its channel and looking like a real one! You might like to tell the warden how impressed I was! And they might like to pass the positive feedback to the volunteers.” “We could not do this (Countryside Live Event) without your amazing support. There are 3000 very happy kids thanks to Lee Valley Park and the best events, ranger, education and volunteer crew in the country.” “Everything about the Lee Valley 10k event was brilliantly organised and I can’t tell you how grateful I was to see so many marshals as I’ve been to events recently and the route has mostly been guess work! As a result, I made sure I thanked all your volunteers as I plodded round your course.” “Thanks to all the volunteers at the GB selection event at Lee Valley White Water Centre who made sure everyone who had a go for the first time got off the water with a smile like we did when we first tried it. Sincerely grateful for a really good day out.”
“Just to say big thank you from Kantar Media volunteers for helping to arrange the volunteering at Lee Valley Regional Park. We have had great time helping prepare the meadow for the orchids as well as getting rid of odd 30 bags of rubbish. We shall think of coming back next year, at least to visit the orchid meadow and see the little plants!” “Rye House was very welcoming. The volunteers were very pleased to talk to any visitor.” “Wonderful restoration of Myddelton House Gardens! Success is due to hours of hard work by a dedicated team of gardeners, Lee Valley staff and volunteers.” “Definitely worth a visit. This lottery-funded garden is steadily improving area by area and reflects the time and effort put into it by both its professional and volunteer gardeners. Slowly being restored to its former glory.” “Birdwatching at Fishers Green was very enjoyable. Sincere thanks to staff at Park Farm/volunteers in bittern watchpoint.”
Staff feedback “We would like to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers for all their hard work and commitment, we had them on site a lot last year and what a difference they have made to our site with painting and planting of the flowers in our entrance beds which they built, Its always a pleasure to see our volunteers happy smiling faces.” Julia Pawass, Campsite Manager - Lee Valley Caravan Park, Dobbs Weir “The Bittern Information Point (BIP) Volunteers contribute a great deal of their time and skill to making this facility a real success with visitors to the park. Without this input from these skilled volunteers the BIP would not be able to function as it does, so a huge thank you to all those involved.” Andrew Vaughan, North Ranger “We really appreciate the work our volunteers do to help maintain our friendly, family orientated, educational farm. They are and will remain to be, a very integral part of a successful, happy team.” Karen Pitts - Duty Manager – Lee Valley Park Farms
“Thank you to all the Bittern Information Point volunteers for all the help and support that they have given over the years and continue to give to ensure that the information point remains a valuable visitor resource in the park, and also to all of the conservation volunteers who have helped me with the different tasks and projects I have been involved with over the years.” David Hutley, Operations Officer “I would like to thank the site honorary wardens particularly for their extra hours given to the Country Park on top of their regular Wednesday volunteer day. These wardens carry out a series of tasks that the Rangers may not have time to undertake. All these tasks are vital to keep the country park looking its best.” Andrew Vaughan, North Ranger “A big thank you to all the survey volunteers for their continued support, the records they provide are invaluable for informing our conservation work around the park.” Dawn Richardson, Acting Senior Conservation Officer “…I feel I have made many friends, I have certainly learnt a lot from such a diverse group of people and have been truly amazed at your generosity of time and spirit. You all set wonderful examples to the rest of society. Thank you all for the support, kindness and friendship you have all offered me.” Karen Wood, Assistant Performance Manager “Thanks to the volunteer team for helping us in the run up to and during our opening week. We have also received lots of support for major events and are luckily enough to have had some regular visits from a number of the team. Thanks all.” Natasha Banks, Assistant Manager Events and Corporate Liaison , Lee Valley VeloPark “What a force!! The help and support we receive from our volunteers is truly remarkable. Your hard work and inspiration does not stop at weeding a bed or pruning shrub you offer your friendship and share our passion for the garden. Without this we would be a poorer and less tended garden. Thank you all.” Andrew Turvey, Head Gardener “Lee Valley volunteers play a massively important part in helping us to deliver the Authority’s Sports Development offer, providing more sporting opportunities to communities across the region, I would like to thank them for their continued support.” Paul Coates, Sports Development Manager “Thank you to all volunteers who support the Youth and Schools Service with outdoor learning activities, and for the wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm that they bring to the team.” Jane Curtis, Youth and Schools Officer
“Life would be much more difficult without our brilliant volunteers. The knowledge and experience volunteers bring to the park is phenomenal. Thank you.” Jill Pritchard, Lee Valley Marina, Stanstead Abbotts (previously, Customer Services Assistant – Lee Valley Riding Centre) “A big thank you from the Riding Centre Team to all our volunteers who offer their generous help and support throughout the year, without which many of our additional activities would not be possible.” Sue Tetlow, Administration, Lee Valley Riding Centre “…I can honestly say the volunteers were fantastic and really mucked in when it was needed. We managed to registered, fitted with bikes and out onto the road circuit nearly 200 people in two hours! Although I did thank them all on the day, if you could pass on my gratitude to them all again, that would be great.” Paul Coates, Sports Development Manager “I’m continually amazed by the dedication that our Conservation Volunteers have helping to ensure the park is beneficial for wildlife and public alike. Thank you very much for all you hard work.” Gareth Winn, Senior Ranger “Thank you to all of the volunteers for making me feel welcome and helping me to settle in within the team at Lee Valley Park.” Jessica Whitehead, Volunteers Officer “Gary, Jamie & Jo would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude to all our Honorary Wardens and the Fisheries Task Force for another years commitment and sterling effort.” Fisheries, Holyfield Hall Farm “Please accept my sincere thanks for all the assistance you provided in relation to Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre opening. It is really appreciated. We could not do what we try to do every day which is inform and involve our visitors and users without your professional, friendly and valued support.” John Birch, Assistant Director Parklands & Venues “Our volunteers are an integral part of our ethos and the Lee Valley Regional Park family. Our committed band of volunteers come to the park from far and wide to get involved in their specific interests. The diversity of our volunteers is fantastic and I never cease to be amazed at their dedication and passion, the park is truly a great place and would not be the same without our volunteers.” Paul Roper Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager
Touring the Lee Valley on a bike by Claire Denison Claire Denison visited the Lee Valley in May 2013 and really enjoyed her cycle tour. Part of her trip included coming across the conservation volunteers on a task at Dobbs Weir and she was so bowled over by their friendliness that she submitted this article that we thought was of interest – Paul Roper
cups of tea and some cake! I was sad to leave and would love to stay there again. It has a very pretty location on the riverbank. I continued my journey south along Route 1 out into the lovely countryside along the Lee Valley and then down into Central London along the River Lee and past the reservoirs at Edmonton. The route is well signposted and uses well surfaced tracks through a variety of rural and urban scenery.
Claire Denison.
In May 2013 I spent a lovely week cycling from Coventry to Whitstable in Kent, visiting friends and camping along the way. I had seen the Lee Valley on the BBC programme ‘Rivers with Griff Rhys Jones’ and wanted to visit it myself. My route took me to Harpenden where I picked up the River Lee. I then cycled on roads to Ware and then along the river path. On reaching the Lee Valley Caravan Park I picked up Sustrans ‘National Cycle Route 1’, which is a signposted route linking Dover to the Shetland Islands. Further north, Route 1 also forms most of the British section of the 4,600 mile long North Sea Cycle Route. I arrived at the Lee Valley Caravan Park in heavy rain and the staff at the campsite went out of their way to make sure I was set up in my tent ok. The fantastic heated shower room was a very welcome luxury for a soggy cycle tourist. I felt very safe camping there as a lone female camper. On getting up the next morning I met the wonderful Lee Valley Volunteers. Again everyone was so friendly and helpful. I ended up leaving the campsite several hours later than I had planned, having had a great natter with the volunteers and staff who were working at the campsite. I also enjoyed several
One of the volunteers had recommended the cafe ‘Pistachios in the park’, which is in Markfield Park. It was well worth the detour off of the river bank as the cafe was fantastic and I enjoyed having a chat with local people sat outside in the sunshine. The route also goes across Hackney Marshes which has the largest complex of football pitches in Europe. Eventually Route 1 leaves the river and follows the canal system into Central London, past the Olympic Park, through Victoria Park and down into Poplar. From here I followed Cycling Superhighway 3 (CS3) through Shadwell down to Tower Bridge. I spent a few days in London with a friend and then she waved me off from Greenwich. I continued on Route 1 and spent an idyllic last day cycling along the Thames and Medway river estuaries to be met by my husband and a beautiful sunset at Whitstable.
Reminders: Volunteer of the Year and Volunteer Photographer of the Year 2014 There is still time to submit a nomination for the 2014 Lee Valley Regional Park Authority Volunteer of the Year and Volunteer Photographer of the Year Awards. The deadline is 31 July. Please use the form on page 10 of this newsletter to nominate.
“My Garden” Trilogy by E. A. Bowles by Jackie Kingdom E. A. Bowles of Myddelton House Society Centenary of a gardening classic at Forty Hall, Forty Hill, Enfield by Jackie Kingdom – E. A. Bowles Society E. A. Bowles – the ‘greatest amateur gardener of the century’ from The Story of the RHS, 1969 An exhibition to celebrate the 100th anniversary of a series of influential books written by E. A. Bowles being published will be held at Forty Hall from Tuesday 29 April to Sunday 27 July 2014. This exhibition is organised, staged and funded by the E. A. Bowles of Myddelton House Society. E. A. Bowles (1865–1954) was an accomplished artist, botanist and writer who lived all his life at Myddelton House, Bull Cross, Enfield. He was a lay preacher at Jesus Church; a popular figure and benefactor. Myddelton House was built in 1818 as the home of the Bowles family, wealthy landowners in Forty Hill and they gave generously their time and support to the local community. Forty Hall was a wedding gift to E. A. Bowles’ brother Henry on his marriage to Florence Broughton in 1889. In the late 1880s, following the tragic deaths of his brother John and sister Medora, Bowles took an interest in his father’s garden. By 1897 he had joined the Royal Horticultural Society and later became its Vice-President. Bowles was particularly interested in the genus Crocus which he collected and grew
E. A. Bowles returns to Myddelton House for his birthday.
extensively, earning him the nickname ‘The Crocus King’. In 1912 Bowles responded to an invitation from the editor of Gardeners’ Chronicle to write a series of books on his garden. The result was My Garden in Spring and My Garden in Summer published in 1914, with My Garden in Autumn and Winter appearing the following year. Bowles writes with humour as he takes the reader on a personal tour around Myddelton House Gardens. The reviews were favourable and the centenary of these three books will be celebrated with this exhibition. Visitors can still follow E.A. Bowles’ guided walks and experience the garden through his eyes, as much of the original planting schemes survive. We invite you to see spring at Myddelton House Gardens through E. A. Bowles’ watercolours. As the year progresses into summer, autumn and winter, today’s plantings show how the garden team are guided by his writing and sound advice. The E. A. Bowles of Myddelton House Society (charity number 1020908) was formed in 1992 to further interest in the life and work of E. A. Bowles and to ensure the continued conservation of his garden.
Long Service Awards This year we are introducing long service awards for 5, 10 and 15 years. All volunteers who have achieved these levels will receive a certificate and a pin badge which
for those attending the Volunteers’ Party will be presented there. Any one not able to attend the party will receive there award at their venue or place of volunteering through September and October.
Jo’s Wildlife Watch
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by Jo Gildersleve
Coots (May - June 2013) 1
27 May 2013 (Bank Holiday) - three chicks with their parents. Funny looking things, baby coots.
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2nd June - there were only two chicks. The parents seemed to be watching one each, probably taking care so they didn’t lose another one.
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9 June - still have two chicks, with very attentive parents.
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15 June - two chicks growing bigger, still shadowed by their parents.
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30 June - a couple of weeks later and they are looking more like a coot now, but parents still not very far away.
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They were in front of the hide all the time so really enjoyed watching them grow-up.
Blue Tits (April – May 2014) Great excitement this year when we realised that the nest box was going to be used by a pair of Blue Tits, the box and camera had been in place for some time but had only been used for a bit of roosting through the winter. 1
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Diary of activity 5 and 6 April - Blue Tits building a nest in the box.
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12 April - there are now eight eggs in the nest (eggs take approximately 12 days to hatch)
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21 April - mother keeping them warm.
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3 and 4 May - the eggs have hatched and we now have eight wriggly chicks being fed by both parents, (photo taken 27 April).
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6 May - growing quickly the young have feathers now.
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10 May - well advanced now lots of wing flapping.
We believe they had fledged by Tuesday 13 May. Chicks take 18 - 20 days to leave the nest.
The world of volunteering! by Andrew Paternoster Lee Valley Regional Park Volunteer Andrew Paternoster relates his experiences as a volunteer. I have been volunteering as a sports maker since November 2012. In 2013, I became a core team member for my local Parkrun at Shorne Country Park. This free weekly 5k timed run is completely organised by volunteers with the results added to the website. With a small core team, we set up from scratch including building the start and finish lines and elements of the actual course complete with flags and cones. A variety of roles are undertaken during the event including timers, scanners and marshals for the course. This is an excellent local community event and we attract over 100 runners, with almost 1,000 runners across the Kent region. Each week we have youngsters from five through to grandparents and some of the participants are potential international prospects in athletics. I enjoy this event because we cater for all standards of runners, it’s free and for the local community. One year on, the Parkrun is going from strength to strength. I am now a sports ambassador for Medway Council sports events, core team member at the Gravesend Cyclepark and Lee Valley VeloPark as well on the books for a couple of event companies for national and local events. I am involved at a range of events in different roles. These range from course marshal and event host through to working on the finish line at the recent ITU World Triathlon in Hyde Park where I assisted the elite athletes once they had crossed the finish line. In July, I will be one of the 10,000 tour marshals for the Tour de France, so look out for the green and blue uniform on your commute to and from work.
Andrew with the Tour de France trophy.
Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre is now recruiting volunteers for this iconic London 2012 venue. The hours are flexible and the rewards are you volunteer at a range of events from grassroots through to elite events. You will be kitted out in the Lee Valley uniform, be trained and receive feedback on your progress. Each event role is varied and I refer to it like a box of chocolates, you never know what you will get until to try it. The competitors who are rising up the sport, could be the next gold medal winner and you know that you had a small part in their success. I think the benefits of volunteering include valuable transferable skills to take away with you such as team work, decision making and people skills. You can also increase your sporting knowledge and there is a chance to see some great sport at close quarters. If you are looking to gain employment or change roles, it gives you an advantage with employers who are looking for self-starters and people with newly acquired skills. To apply check out the Lee Valley website and complete the form, the selection process is straight forward informal interview and an induction to the venue.
Volunteer of the Year Nomination Form
The nominations are made in confidence and no information will be shared with third parties outside the judging panel without the consent of the nominee. Name of Volunteer or Volunteer Group you are nominating Role/Section (please tick applicable)
Sports venues
Nature/ Open Spaces
Discover
Lee Valley Riding Centre
Conservation
Myddelton House Gardens
Lee Valley White Water Centre
Bittern Information Point
Campsites
Lee Valley Ice Centre
Wildlife Survey
Lee Valley Marinas
Lee Valley Athletics Centre
Fisheries
Youth & Schools Lee Valley Park Farms
Other
Other
Other
Criteria
Tick the box that you feel appropriate to score your volunteer
Regular Attendance - how often has this volunteer helped out?
One hour a week
More than one hour but only one day a week
Up to three days a week
Reliability - how would you rate this volunteer with regards to reliability, 1 being low 5 being high
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5
Punctuality - how would you rate the punctuality of this volunteer 1 being low 5 being high
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5
How would you rate the difference to your function or venue this volunteer has made this year - 1 being low and 5 being high
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5
How would you rate the activity of this volunteer under innovation in their volunteering for this year - 1 being low 5 being high
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Now say why you think this volunteer deserves to be Volunteer of the Year for the Lee Valley Park please use as many words as you wish. You may want to highlight here how a volunteer has helped you through their own adversity or what they might have done to go the extra mile. You may also wish to write about any innovative solutions they may have come up with to make things better or how they have worked with other volunteers in a team.
Your name and contact number
Please complete the form and return to: Volunteers, Freepost PO Box 88, NW4169, Enfield, Middx EN2 9BR
More than three days a week but not weekends
More than three days a week including weekends
Volunteer Information Form Please complete, sign and return to Volunteers, Freepost PO Box 88, NW4169, Enfield, Middx EN2 9BR by 31 May 2014. If you need any help filling in this form, please do not hesitate to contact us. * Delete as required Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms* 1 Name
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Home address Home
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Telephone numbers
Work Mobile
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Email address
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Do you have any medical conditions we should know about?
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Date of birth
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Volunteer signature
This will be used to send newsletters and eent communication. Please do not supply if you do not wihs to be contacted in this manner
Please provide as this will help us provide accurate information to accommodate activies for all age ranges
Parent/guardian signature (if under 18)
Emergency contact details 8
Name
Relationship Home
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Telephone numbers
Work Mobile
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Please list the roles you have taken part in Do you have any qualifications that are commutable that you would be happy to use in your volunteering role if applicable. Please povide copies of certificates (for example first aid, L2 coaching, hygiene certificate)
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Qualifications
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Share my details with ď ą In order for committee members to communicate with volunteers they require your contact phone number/email address, if you DO NOT want this information my committee member given please tick here
Please turn over
Medical conditions
Qualifications Copy of certificated enclosed
Yes No Copy of certificated enclosed
Yes No Copy of certificated enclosed
Yes No Copy of certificated enclosed
Yes No Copy of certificated enclosed
Yes No Training courses At times we run both internal and external training courses to help facilitate you in your volunteering roles. If you are interested in progressing yor role and responsibilities and would like to be considered for these please tick the relevant box(es) next to the training course below.
First Aid at work Manual Handling Other
H&S Competenta Person Lone Working