In praise of volunteers

Attending events forms a regular part of life for editors of small newspapers.
The three in my diary last week had something in common – they underlined the increasing need for volunteers in the community.W
ednesday evening was spent in Cheddar for the licensing of a new priest-in-charge. This service may sound like the DVLA’s job, but was a heart-warming and largely informal welcome from a packed congregation for the Rev Sue Rose and her family.
Three parish churches had been without one since the previous priest retired 15 months ago, and most of the workload fell on the (unpaid) churchwardens.
Thursday took me to the launch of 2009’s Mendip In Bloom competitions at Gaymer’s Cider House, Shepton Mallet.
Cash-poor Mendip District Council are reducing their administrative support for this event which adds a wealth of floral colours every year. So the busy volunteers have agreed to take on the extra work previously done by council officers.
Friday evening saw the launch of a natural history exhibition at Wells and Mendip Museum, which - you have guessed - also depends on volunteers to keep it open to the public.
Two things which are clear during these uncertain times is that mid-Somerset’s reliance on volunteers will grow during the recession, and we need to appreciate their value.
Philip Welch