HELEN BURTON: This column is now focussing on Eastbourne Volunteers

After a few sleepless nights getting things ready the Eastbourne Volunteers project finally launched on Saturday. The crowd was amazing, The Labyrinth in Eastbourne was filled from end to end with people chatting and I was really overwhelmed with the support we had. I read a speech, almost crying twice I was so emotional, but managed to get through it. There have been a lot of posts on social media about the launch from others but I thought this description from the Eastbourne People's Assembly was one of the best: 'The Launch of Eastbourne Volunteers was a well attended event and one many of us have really been looking forward to. Helen Burton has put a huge amount of energy into setting up this project and Eastbourne will benefit in many ways, from the comprehensive mapping, ward by ward, of all the community organisations and groups that Eastbourne has to to offer through to the volunteering opportunities both directly for the project and for the organisations Eastbourne Volunteers will be linking up with. We wish every sucess to the Eastbourne Volunteers. Yes. The Launch was very well attended by representatives from many of the Eastbourne groups. Well knowns were there along with us rank and file. Helen read out a speech thanking many people. The Psyche Poet read out a poem. Caroline Ansell MP gave a speech. The Mayor said a few words, cut the ribbon and bingo! Launch away! Bring it on!

Eastbourne Volunteers logo SUS-170102-113902001

We then enjoyed chatting, catching up with each other, eating and drinking and all sorts including ‘networking’ in inverted commas. There were scrumptious cakes supplied by The Waste Not Café. Apple squares, banana cake, fruity oaty sliced what nots, welsh cakes. Load of yums. Then there were more homemade cakes circulating from elsewhere, I particularly noticed the chocolate cake. (Sorry.......excuse the food interlude, i’m trying to lose weight!!)

Back to the Launch. It was fun. A great way to start off the year. Getting together to mark the beginning of this worthy project and to wish it all the very best going forward. Thank you to Helen and all those involved for setting up the Eastbourne Volunteers. Something good this way comes”. Thank you to Carol Mills for the lovely description of a very special day.

I’ve been writing this column for over two years now, and I have loved the opportunity to share my opinions on ethical matters combined with the odd political rant. It’s time to change my column a little though I think. I have always promoted community activity and getting involved locally and have tried to profile the great work others are doing locally. In my role as Project Coordinator for Eastbourne Volunteers I am working closely with many of the clubs, community groups and charities in Eastbourne, and I am finding out about even more exciting work in Eastbourne. From now on, this will be a column for Eastbourne Volunteers, sharing news and opportunities from other organisations as well as our own. I hope you enjoy it. [email protected]