Aldingbourne Blog
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“I wanted to spend the day here because it is local to me. I’ve been many times with my daughters and use the plant nursery. They make a real difference to the people they support ensuring everyone has a choice and lives an independent life. I had such a wonderful day”. Said Melissa Wilcock, HSBC Hampshire.
Many charities rely on the support they receive from corporate volunteers, so the Aldingbourne Trust were delighted when Melissa choose to use her HSBC annual volunteer day to come and help out on the farm. “Melissa was an amazing help and really got stuck in with all the daily tasks. She helped with mucking out the top fields in the morning, then later cleaned out the guinea pig hutches, and even got involved in a goat health check and hoof trim! She had a really positive attitude and interacted brilliantly with the people we support at the Country Centre” said Jon Corke, Farm Manager. Vicky Mearns, one of the people supported by the Trust said, “Melissa was really friendly, I really enjoyed working with her”. As part of their corporate volunteering scheme, HSBC have an Employee Volunteering Competition, which Melissa was delighted to win as it meant she could make a donation on behalf of HSBC to the Aldingbourne Trust. As she enjoyed her time on the farm, she has requested that the £1,000 goes towards helping the farm to continue to improve their facilities. “I spent the whole day outside on the farm with the animals and the wonderful people who work there. The highlight for me was meeting the lovely people, some of them were really shy when I first met them, but I've made new friends and got to spend an enjoyable day in the fresh air! I'll definitely return” said Melissa. To find out more about Aldingbourne Trust and their award winning charity that supports adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to live independent lives, please visit their website www.aldingbournetrust.org. In partnership with the Aldingbourne Trust, Bognor Regis Library is creating a community garden space for everyone to enjoy. The project has been supported through National Lottery funding, by local volunteers, corporate support from Southern Water and Outside Interest, and with help from the people that the Trust supports with learning disabilities and/or autism.
Those who have been involved in the project recently gathered together to celebrate what they have achieved. Lisa Palmer the community garden project coordinator at the Aldingbourne Trust said “Thank you to everyone for your help and your ideas in creating this community space. We are so proud of the garden we have achieved together and we are so proud of you for showcasing your talents in a way that will benefit everyone”. The garden creates an inclusive environment for people of all abilities to enjoy and relax in, and will also host activities by the library for children and for people living with dementia. The garden furniture and planters have all been made by the Wood Recycling team at the Aldingbourne Country Centre, creating peaceful spaces to sit and gardening areas that are accessible to all. “The garden is here because of you, it’s wonderful for you to see what you have been working on to be pulled together. It has brought a breath of fresh air to this community area” said Lisa. The artwork painted around the garden has been created by the Trust’s Creative Arts students from Aldwick Road. Where they have created a giant bookcase and included characters from Wind in the Willows and Alice in Wonderland. Sue Livett, Managing Director of the Aldingbourne Trust said “It’s amazing! Everyone loves what you have achieved. You have created something for the community which will be here for years to come”. Visit the Trust’s website to find out more about their involvement in local community projects and to for more information about their award winning charity that supports adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to live independent lives www.aldingbournetrust.org. Here at the Trust we are very fortunate to have over 201 volunteers throughout all our enterprises. From volunteers at Number 73 Aldwick Road, in our charity shop, as part of the Adopt a Station project and at the Aldingbourne Country Centre. Every single volunteer makes a real difference to the people we support.
So as part of Volunteer Week we have been taking the opportunity to thank all our volunteers here at the Trust. Nigel volunteers in our Earthworks department on a Thursday each week, and has been doing so for just under a year now. He brings support, creativity and a smile each day he volunteers. Not only does Nigel volunteer in Earthworks, he also gives up his time to help transport the people we support from our supported living services to Chichester each week. Colin has been volunteering with us since 2012, he volunteers in our Adopt a Station Project, which goes out to local railway stations making sure that the planters are watered, topped up and looking beautiful. Colin also organises Adopt a Station social events, such as bowling nights, to keep the team happy and connected. Jean has been one of our core horticulture volunteers for almost three years now. She regularly helps to ensure the grounds of the Trust look tidy and welcoming. She also delivers weaving workshops in Earthworks. Volunteering for the Trust is a truly rewarding experience as well as a fantastic way to learn new skills, meet new people and get involved in your local community. We have a variety of volunteering opportunities across all of our projects, so we are sure to have something to suit everyone. We couldn’t do it without you. We also have regular support from many corporate volunteers from organisations including: Southern Water, Body Shop, Mercers, and The Kitchen Store. They have helped us by clearing our greenhouses, painting and decorating our new children’s tractor play area, and general maintenance tasks around the country centre, which has helped us save over 1352 hours per week. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or have an organisation that would like to “give a day to charity” please contact Tracy Milward at [email protected]. Visit our website www.aldingbournetrust.org for information on our event days, becoming a member, and more about our award winning charity that supports adults with learning disabilities and / or autism to live independent lives. Aldingbourne Trust are taking part in national Volunteers’ week from the 1st to 7th June.
We are very fortunate to have over 201 volunteers throughout all our enterprises within the Trust. From volunteers at Number 73 Aldwick Road, in our charity shop and part of the Adopt a Station project and the Aldingbourne Country Centre. Every single volunteer makes a real difference to the people we support. On Monday 3rd June we will be hosting a drop in session at the Aldingbourne Country Centre, from 10am until 12noon. Then in the afternoon from 2-4pm there will be a second drop in session at No.73, Aldwick Road, Bognor Regis. This is an opportunity to find out more about the Trust, and how you can support us. Volunteering for the Trust is a truly rewarding experience as well as a fantastic way to learn new skills, meet new people and get involved in your local community. We have a variety of volunteering opportunities across all of our projects, so we are sure to have something to suit everyone. So, why not come along to one of the drop in sessions to find out more about volunteering with us. We couldn’t do it without you. We also have regular support from many corporate volunteers from organisations including: Southern Water, Mercers, and The Kitchen Store. They have helped us by clearing our greenhouses, painting and decorating our new children’s tractor play area, and general maintenance tasks around the country centre, which has helped us save over 1352 hours per week. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or have an organisation that would like to “give a day to charity” please contact Tracy Milward at [email protected]. |
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