Just before Lockdown this year the Manx Wildlife Trust invited nominations for its Volunteering Awards. There was no doubt in my mind who should be nominated! I'm very proud to say that the Southern Group Volunteers won one of the awards and received the certificate below along with a beautifully carved wooden replica of the Trust logo inscribed with the words "thank you" in Manx. The Award was accepted by Margaret Kelly, the Southern Group Chairman, on behalf of all our volunteers at a lunch at St. Johns in September and you can read an account of this and see the photos on the Manx Wildlife Trust Facebook Page ( scroll down to 29th September) . Unfortunately there were simply too many volunteers to invite to share this lunchtime jolly so today (7th November) a no less enjoyable celebration with coffee and cake was held at Margaret's house to which our regular volunteers were invited. Not everyone was able to attend but it was a convivial affair and the Award and certificate were on display for all to see. These will be kept at Scarlett Visitor Centre as, unlike Ballachurry Bird Hide, it can be locked when not in use. Do visit next spring when it reopens to see the Award at first hand. Photos of the Award will however be put in the Hide shortly.
Thanks to Margaret for her hospitality this morning which we all very much appreciated.
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So what did our Volunteers do to win this award? Here is the nomination:
Working mostly, though not exclusively, at Ballachurry Reserve they turn out in good numbers whenever requested and determinedly get on with whatever task is in hand. Invariably cheerful, they work both as individuals or as a team according to the work required. Those with special skills or knowledge patiently guide those of a less practical nature (such as myself!) through the activity and we all learn from each other. Totally non-judgemental, they are universally welcoming to new-comers. The mix of people attending varies from month to month but during the well deserved break the group always gels over tea and cake (made by volunteers!) Friendships are forged and the group support each other practically and emotionally both within and outside the group. If my own spirits flag then the group quickly rallies round with encouragement to get me going again. If help is needed for a specific task on a non-scheduled day I know I can depend on volunteers answering the “call to arms”.
Beyond Ballachurry, the volunteers can be relied on to turn their hands to many tasks. Everything from painting walls at Scarlett visitor centre to painting faces at an event. They sell raffle tickets, bake cakes, set out chairs, serve tea, do the washing-up and sweep floors. They make signs, take debris to the tip, provide greenery, bunting, chairs and tables and raid their Christmas decorations to provide fairy lights. Whatever we need for an event someone is sure to offer their own.
Cooperation is the hallmark of this amazing group and in short everyone is prepared to go the extra mile. Each one individually could well qualify for an award but as a team they richly deserve to be nominated for this one.
Congratulations to you all!
