b'Strengthening communityA partyTea with usfit for a The RPG was all in favour of Community connections Engagement Officer Sue Williams brilliant king! idea for us to reach out to our communities.Since February, our monthly Tea with Us sessions have been enabling local over-55s to meet up, interact and form meaningful connections. To keep costs down and make it easier for all our supportedCarol Bennett and husband Alan loved ourhousing residentsWGC coronation celebration event. Summingto get involved,it up, Carol said: When you come somewherewe host theselike this, you sit at a table with strangers andsessions at each Nothing beats a you go away as friends. of our schemes. cuppa with friendsto all ourBig thanks wonderful volunteersThe positive impact made by our willing band of volunteers is immeasurable. As youll see from the small selection of examples below, our volunteers freely give their skills, time, energyand passion to help others in a variety of ways.We held a Volunteer Appreciation party in June to thank ourvolunteers for their invaluable contribution.Kingfisher Clubvolunteers Bill Akerman and Jane Myers had a great time. Bill said: It was absolutely perfect. I could not fault it. We were all dancing andI wish it had never ended. It was lovely, lovely, lovely. Jane said: Im really enjoying the volunteering. Its very rewarding and you meet such a lot of nice people.Its good to stretch RPG Vice Chair Richard PittGraham Lale has been volunteeringThree John Lewis partners helped to make likes to keep busy. At our Warmfor nine years. He uses Herts Abilityssure that our coronation celebrations ran like Herts sessions, you may well spotwheelchair-adapted vehicle to transportclockwork at Mill Green Golf Club, as part him serving tea to the guestslocal community members to our friendshipof the companys commitment to helpingand rumour has it that he is club at Woodside House. He also drivesthe local community. Their enthusiasm was also a dab hand at washing upmany of our scheme residents to variousinfectious, whether they were decorating the afterwards! appointments and activities. He said:tables, welcoming guests, singing or waving Volunteering gives me a purpose in life.their Union Jack flags!Fancy joining in? If any of the activities listed above have whetted your appetiteor if you know someone who would benefit from themgive us a call on 01462 683307 or drop us an email (enquiries@fgch.co.uk).Residents First|Page 6 Residents First|Page 7'