Agenda item

These must be received no later than 12 noon on Monday 9 December

Motion proposed by Councillor Tim Harman and seconded by Councillor Barbara Driver

“That this Council formally records its thanks and appreciation to the many people in the Town who give of their time on a voluntary basis to help those in need and to support projects that benefit others.

Cheltenham is very fortunate to be enriched by our volunteers many of whom receive no recognition and who add such value to our Community.”

Councillor Harman proposed the following motion which was seconded by Councillor Driver:

 “That this Council formally records its thanks and appreciation to the many people in the Town who give of their time on a voluntary basis to help those in need and to support projects that benefit others.

Cheltenham is very fortunate to be enriched by our volunteers many of whom receive no recognition and who add such value to our Community.”

In proposing the motion he advised Members he had been involved in public life for 40 years and had a huge respect for those involved with volunteering.  He was always impressed with the work that individuals do and hoped Members would support this simple resolution as a way of saying Thank You to so many people.

In seconding the motion Councillor Driver said that all Members were aware of the work done by the voluntary and community sector (VCS) but her time as Mayor had opened her eyes to all the individuals who do so much. She felt they were unsung heroes and was proud of everything they do. 

Other Members, some of whom were also past mayors, supported the motion. They felt it was often the unseen volunteers who provided some of the most valuable support to communities and the town was blessed with so many dedicated individuals who are prepared to spend time within the community.  Members recognised the sometimes difficult and challenging nature of volunteering but also recognised its rewards and how individuals are passionate about their work. 

Some Members spoke about the critical role that volunteers play in society and the increasing difficulty of recruiting young volunteers and also the potential difficulty in the future with the rise in retirement age.  They felt that the motion was a good opportunity to be proactive and ensure that the message gets out in the media, not only thanking volunteers but encouraging others to volunteer.  A Member suggested that there may be some formal recognition, such as a specific church service which had been held a few years ago to celebrate the role of the VCS.

One Member speaking in support of the motion also flagged up the role of parish councillors who are also volunteers as their work in the community is important.

Another Member commending the motion, made reference to the work of the volunteers who were packing and distributing food parcels, and felt that it was appalling that such measures were required.  

The Deputy Mayor said that he thought that it was important for the council to not just recognise the work of the VCS but to actively support them and gave an example of a public transport issue which impacted on a specific charity.  He thought that the council could assist by lobbying Stagecoach to reroute the No. 94 bus.  Another Member advised that the Airport had made a similar request, as it would help not just the charity but the businesses located in the area.

A couple of Members made reference to the need to acknowledge the role of those involved with the support network for volunteers, who do a vital job in supporting those actively seeking volunteering roles and also those who are volunteers.  Councillor Ryder made specific thanks to officers and Andrew North, with regards to the support she had received from the council as a trustee and chair of a charitable organisation who supports volunteers.

The Mayor told Members that she was aware that a number of councillors also undertake voluntary work and would want to add her thanks to them also.

In his summing up, Councillor Harman, said he was in agreement about the positive benefits individuals get from volunteering, including for some individuals motivation and feeling less isolated.  He asked if the Mayor or deputy Mayor would consider thinking about organising a civic service at some point to recognise the work of the VCS.

Upon a vote the motion was carried unanimously.