On the value of community volunteering - a personal view by Bill McLean
Having lived in Dunblane for many years and now enjoying retirement, I am proud to be associated with the DDT; both as member and volunteer.
The aims of the Trust to
make Dunblane more attractive to visitors and to make environmental improvements, appealed to me as a long term resident.
My becoming involved as a volunteer was not altogether altruistic as my plans for retirement were to work outdoors as much as possible, hence my involvement with the DDT Mid-Week Group. The work of the group is mainly the repair and painting of the public bench seating and railings in various parts of the town, the kind of work that would go undone unless taken on by volunteer labour. In this work we have enjoyed the support of Stirling Council who have provided grants or supplied us with materials to carry out the work. Recent projects well known to Dunblane residents have included protective treatment of the Faery Bridge, painting the train engine in the Mill Row play area and of course our annual putting up of the Christmas lights to the shop fronts.
Seeing a completed job well done gives me a great deal of satisfaction and a deep sense of achievement. Being a volunteer is not all hard work. Working together has become a social event as much as anything with a break for coffee and biscuits when we put the world to rights. Since joining the group I have made lasting friendships and I have become healthier and fitter without going to the gym; a view no doubt shared by those volunteering with other DDT working groups such as Dunblane in Bloom & the Environment Group.
I am sure that my comments would be echoed by the many other members of the community who share their time, enthusiasm and expertise as volunteers with organisations in Dunblane. While very few of us volunteer to be recognised, it is important to recognise that the “big society” much spoken of at higher political levels, has existed for many years and is still very much alive and well.
Dunblane Development Trust DDT It’s Tuesday, so meet the DDT “Mid-Weekers”
Bill McLean and Ken Mitchell are two of the local residents who provide practical expertise on a voluntary basis on DIY projects that enhance the ambience of the town. They are founder members of a group that started in 2004 and gather on most Tuesdays throughout the year.
When asked to highlight his favourite project in recent years Ken says: “Restoring the Faery Bridge and the Four Ways sign were both challenging and very satisfying. But I really enjoy being responsible for decorating our Town Centre with Xmas lighting. It gives a lift to community spirit during the dead of winter and is much appreciated by the people & businesses of Dunblane. This is what volunteering is all about”.
The Board of Trustees provides strategic & operational support for all DDT activities and is currently looking for volunteers to strengthen its expertise in:
• • • •
accounts & finance business management
project / estate management public relations & communication
For further information on any volunteering opportunities please contact Ian Gill on 07748 219 937 or by email: dunblanedevelopmenttrust@
gmail.com
www.dunblaneweb.co.uk/devtrust Please mention thewire when responding to adverts 71
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