Dover Pop Quiz!

A) What is the Roman name for Dover? B) There are Beaconsfield Roads in both Deal and Dover, named after the Earl of Beaconsfield, a British Prime-minister of the 19

th century. By

what name is he better known? C) This famous author of “An Inspector Calls” wrote another well-known piece, “The Good Com-panions”, whilst staying in Deal. What is his name? D) This year is the 100

th anniversary of the first

woman to fly the channel, only weeks after Bleriot

did so. Currently the subject of a campaign to get

a statue in her honour in Dover, what is her

name?

Name: Rosemary Pugh Volunteer at: Dover District Volunteer Centre Position: Transport Volunteer Volunteered for: 6 years now! Why did you get in to volunteering? After retirement I moved down with my husband from Peterborough to Deal. We were new to the area and wanted to meet people local to the community. What do you enjoy most about volunteering? Well obviously the social element of volunteering is quite important to me. I like that the office is always

busy, every day is different and you get to meet a really wide variety of people. The Transport service has around 60 Volunteer Drivers and there are about 20 of us working in the Office. Working with such a large team of volunteering also comes with its added benefits around Christmas time: We are never short of chocolate in the office! If you have someone you’d like to nominate for our Focus on Volunteering, get in touch and they could be featured in the next issue of Volunteering Matters.

The District Detectives Your reviews of the districts eateries

The Courtyard Oyster Bar & Restaurant Location: Deal Style: Upmarket Fish Restaurant and Bar Ambience: Stylish & Relaxed. At lunch time it is quite casu-al but the evening service is more formal with an emphasis on quality food & service. Service: Friendly & attentive. We didn't feel rushed and the staff were happy to make recommendations. Would you go again? Yes, it’s a little more expensive than we would usually pay for an evening meal locally but lunch is very reasonable and its great for a spe-cial occasion or party. Marks out of 10: 9/10

Focus on Volunteering

A) Dubris B) Benjamin Disraeli C) J B Priestley D) Harriet Quimby

Volunteering Matters!

Winter 2012 The local voice for volunteering

Enhancing Lives, Supporting Communities

Some of our HealthWalk leaders on a sunny Autumn day earlier this year after receiving awards at our Thank You events.

Introducing our new Volunteering Advice Line Turn to page 7 for more information.

Claim your free Volunteering Badge! Limited stock available

See page 3 for details.

Join the 100 Club & win Cash!

Free Courses

The District Detectives Your review of the districts eateries

Current Volunteering Opportunities

———————————— Aylesham Neighbourhood Project—Activities Coordinator

Applecroft Care Home River—Gardeners & Activity Organisers

Admin help -Volunteer Centre Dover District Admin Assistant—Citizens Advice Bureau Adult Helpers—Girl Guides Ancestry Buddy—Dover District Libraries Animal Visitor—Pets as Therapy

Baby Rhyme Time Hosts— Dover District Libraries Beach Clean Assistants—Deal With It

Your Community Matters

D ear All, a warm welcome to

your new publication Vol-unteering Matters, which aims

to highlight the activities of many volunteers who work for the benefit of others, through-

out Dover District. Revelations regarding Jimmy

Savile when he was a volunteer has focused the media’s atten-tion on volunteering and asks,

are volunteers more trouble than they are worth? Are they

heroes or villains? The Games Makers who volun-teered at the London Olympics

portrayed volunteering in a positive light and brought it to

the forefront of the conscious mind of the general public -

because they helped made the Games happen! However, outside the Olympic

venues, there were plenty of other trained volunteers to sup-

port the Olympics. These in-cluded Volunteer Ambassadors and Travel Champions– who

wore bright pink tabards – not to mention the local authority

2012 volunteers, all of whom received little to no recognition for their commitment from the

general public.

I wonder what kind of commu-

nity we would have if all volun-teers stopped giving of their

time for a day! I’m not advo-cating such drastic action, be-cause I strongly believe in vol-

unteering and volunteers spe-cifically are the communities’

unsung heroes. Throughout Dover District, volunteers give of their time,

skills, experience and knowledge for the benefit of

others without any recognition every day of the year and it is my belief that part of the work

of the Dover District Volunteer-ing Centre is to highlight the

work, of the unsung heroes and promote volunteering opportu-

nities for new volunteers as well as reporting the positive impact volunteers make across

the district. In this edition of Volunteering Matters, read how

Dover Community Radio made up entirely of volunteers plan to bring us together and entertain

us over Christmas.

From all at the Volunteer Cen-tre, have a great Christmas and a peaceful, healthy New Year. Joseph Dublin — Manager

Volunteering Matters Dover District Volunteering Centre 26 Victoria Road Deal CT14 7BJ Tel: 01304 367898 info@doverdistrictvolunteering.org.uk

Charity No: 285057 Editor: Sophie Hosking

Dover Castle in the Snow—Rick Ryder

Volunteering Advice Line - 01304 367898

Dover District Volunteering Centre are launching a new Vol-unteering Advice Line with the support of Dover Community Radio. The Volunteering Advice Line provides support and infor-mation relating to all volunteering issues. No problem or con-cern is too large or too small for us to assist you. The level of support VAL offers, ranges from, working with you to secure an appropriate volunteer opportunity, developing your confidence to return too, or enter, the work envi-ronment to advocating on your behalf with the organisation where you are currently volunteering. You can contact VAL at any time on 01304 367898. However, please note the phone lines are only manned during office hours, Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours you are most welcome to leave a message and an advisor will be in touch as soon as practically possible. You may also contact VAL via email on val@doverdistrictvolunteering.org.uk or visit our website at -www.doverdistrictvolunteering.org.uk

EAST KENT HEALTHWALKS

WALK LEADER THANK YOU EVENT

Our popular celebrations events took place in August. This

year we held three so that we could accommodate everyone who wanted to attend!

Our location was the Chillenden and Good-nestone area, which of-

fered walkers some beautiful country scen-

ery. There were also

historical links to Jane Austen and the Miner’s Trail.

Walk Leaders were offered the choice of either a two hour

or one hour walk around the picturesque village.

Both groups met up at a local pub after the walks, where awards were handed out to Walk Leaders who had shown

exceptional service to the scheme. Nominations had been received from fellow Walk Leaders and the winners

were selected by guest judges, Abi Mogridge - Head of Health & Wellbeing, Michelle Roberts - Walking for Health Scheme Development Officer, Joseph Dublin - Dover Dis-

trict Volunteer Centre Manager and Dave Wilkinson -

Hythe Walk Leader and past award winner.

The East Kent HealthWalk scheme covers the local au-thority areas of Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Shepway,

Swale & Thanet with more than 70 walks available . For more information on this HealthWalks please contact

East Kent HealthWalks on 0800 8494000 or email:

healthwalks@nhs.net

Current Volunteering Opportunities

———————————— Greeters—Kent Greeters Group leaders/ teachers—U3A Group Leader—Dover District Scouts Helper—Pegasus Play scheme Riding Helper—Alkham Valley Community Project Helper—Deal Breast Feed-ing Support Media Activist—Oxfam Mediator—Shepway & Dover Mediation service. Mini bus drivers—Dover Stroke Club Musicians—Martha Trust Peer Buddies—Be our Buddy Pet Fosterers—Cinnamon Trust Reading Helpers—Volunteer Reading Help Receptionists— North Deal Community Partnership

Enjoy Gardening? Are you interested in Gardening? Like work-ing outdoors or in a team? If so you may be interested in joining our Community Gar-dening Scheme. This is a project helping those who need support or who can no longer maintain their own gardens. It is hoped the project will provide both a posi-tive impact for those who volunteer and aims to improve social cohesion and com-munity wellbeing in the areas where gar-dens may have grown into disrepair. There are no restrictions for those who want to volunteer and you can apply individually or in a group.

For more information please contact the Volunteer Centre on 01304 367898

Dates for your diary: 13th Nov -Conservation Taster Day at White Cliffs of Dover with National Trust 22nd Nov—Deal Christmas Lights Switch on. 24th Nov—Snowflake & Window Decoration at Dover Museum 24th Nov—Dover Christmas Lights turn on. 1st & 2nd Dec - Santa Special at East Kent Rail-ways (+ other weekends in Dec) 1st Dec—Christmas lights turn on Sandwich 7th Dec—Know your Gateway Event Dover.

Friends of the earth inspires solutions to environmental problems, which make life better for people. Our group has a strong record of suc-cessfully campaigning on local and national environ-mental issues and we are currently seeking the revive the groups campaigning ac-tivity. To support the organisa-tions activities we are look-ing for volunteers to join us help with our campaign-ing work and assist with the running of the group.

Do something today, become a Radio Presenter! Call VAL for more information.

A Winter Garden ready for Spring!

Benefits of a Free Lunch!

Are you interested in volunteering but for

one reason or another aren't quite ready to

take the plunge? You may lack confidence

or need encouragement, you may worry

about your childcare options or travel

costs, you may be struggling to decide

what sort of volunteer work you would like

to do.

If this sounds familiar to you, then our

free courses could greatly benefit you. The

next course takes place in Dover on Tues

22nd and Weds 23rd January 2013. Lunch

and refreshments are included free of

charge, and travel expenses can be reim-

bursed. All previous course participants

have found them informative, fun and in-

teresting. Courses are funded by NLDC

Response.

Contact the Volunteer Centre on 01304

367898.

White Cliffs Win Lottery Funding

The Heritage Lottery Fund has confirmed an award of £1.64m towards the conservation and

protection of a large area of the White Cliffs.

The funding, matched by £800,000 raised by

local partners, will provide an opportunity to ex-

pand on the valuable work of the White Cliffs Part-

nership project. It is hoped that this will include

the building of an education facility at Samphire

Hoe, restoration work to chalk grassland and con-

servation on key heritage features such as the

remnants of military occupation. There are a se-

ries of activities planned to involve local commu-

nities including themed talks, demonstrations and

guided walks. Councillor Nick Kenton, DDC mem-

ber for the environment, said: "The White Cliffs

landscape is known around the world and it is

great to see the importance of this area recog-

nised in this way.’’ If you are interested in the lo-

cal environment why not consider getting involved

with the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership or

National Trust’s Conservation days. Please contact

the Volunteer Centre for more information.

You are invited to support the work of the Volunteering Centre by joining the 100 Club.

For just £1 a month you have the opportunity to win a cash prize every month and support the tre-mendous work of the Volunteering Centre to re-cruit, train, place and support volunteers who make a significant difference to the lives of many across the local community.

The 100 Club is cheaper than the lottery and there are more chances to win! Your support will enable the centre to continue to deliver it’s essential ser-

vices and help those in the community who are in need of our support. We look forward to welcoming you to the 100 Club and thank you for supporting volun-teering, call the Volunteer Centre

on 01304 367898

Introducing the 100 Club...

Volunteers looking after the 100 Club.

The V– Badge—Supporting and promoting volunteering in the local area.

To claim your free V-badge simply write to the Dover Dis-trict Volunteering Centre en-closing a suggested donation of £2 to cover postage and packaging. If you would like to learn more about volunteering and its benefits call VAL on 01304 367898.

Limited stock of 200 badges are currently available Dover District Volunteering Centre

26 Victoria Road, Deal, Kent, CT14 7BJ

Current Volunteering Opportunities

———————————— Catching Lives—Client Work Volunteer Clothing Store Helper—DDVG Collections Manage-ment—Dover Transport Museum Conservation Volunteer—Whitecliffs Countryside Partnership Cookery Mentors—Whole School Meals Creative Arts Volunteers—Pilgrims Hospice Dining Companion—Deal Hospital Dog Foster Carers—Kent Greyhound Rescue Education Assistant—Dover Roman painted House Event & Healthwalk Volunteer—Healthwalks First Aid Support—Red Cross Garden Share Volunteers—Deal With It

87.7 FM

DCR is a local community radio station broadcasting across White Cliffs Country. Covering the towns of Dover, Deal, Sandwich and their surrounding communities DCR hope to have something for everyone.

DCR was founded in April 2010 and has been broadcasting pod-casts via their website since then. They be-gan broadcasting their online radio service as a trial from January 2011 and went fully live from their studios on 31st July 2011 when the first live show was broadcast at midday. They state their focus is to positively promote Dover Dis-trict's tourism and encourage a real feeling of community within the Dover, Deal and Sandwich areas.

This winter they have been given the very exciting news that they have been granted a FM licence. The first trial will run from the 12th November until the 9th December on the frequency 87.7FM. This will mean that you will be able to listen to Dover Community Radio on any FM device, such as your car radio.

To support this development, the Volunteer Centre and Dover Community Ra-dio have come together to announce an exciting ‘Volunteer Radio Station Train-ee’ position. The role will provide a basic understanding of all areas involved in running a local radio station and could result in an accredited qualification.

To find out more contact the Volunteering Centre on 01304 367898 or Email: info@doverdistrictvolunteering.org.uk

Community Transport

Dover District Volun-

teering Centre is urgent-

ly looking for more vol-

unteer drivers in the Do-

ver, Deal and Sandwich

areas for its Transport

Service. Drivers use

their own vehicles to

take elderly or disabled

local residents to medi-

cal appointments or oth-

er essential trips. Driv-

ers are paid expenses so

that they are not out of

pocket.

Could you help? All you need is a clean driving licence, a caring

disposition and a little time to spare. We are particularly keen to hear

from anyone who has a four wheeled drive vehicle to help us out in

wintery road conditions.

Book a Journey—The Community Transport scheme makes over 10,000 journeys a year. If you are finding it difficult to access public transport get in touch, we provide an affordable, safe and accessi-ble alternative on a not for profit basis.

Call 01304 380513 for more information

Focus on:

Driving in the snow—Image from freefoto.com

Calling all Amateur Chefs!

The Volunteer Centre is throwing open a challenge to all would-be chefs who would like to take part in the centre’s latest fundraising initiative.

The Volunteer Centre is putting together your recipes for a Tasty, Healthy, Easy Recipe booklet that will be sold to raise funds in support of a new gardening service to support independent living of local residents who are in need of assistance to maintain their own gardens.

The Recipe’s Booklet is the creation of Samantha Scott, a member of staff from within the Dover District Volunteer Centre. The idea of a recipe booklet made up of healthy recipes which are easy to prepare, tasty for all members of the family and healthy came to Samantha after attending the Food Champion Programme delivered by Kent Community Health NHS Trust’s Healthy Weight Team, which has trained and up skilled Sam to be a healthy food advocate for the community.

The Volunteer Centre invites local residents to get involved by sending in their own recipe ideas to be considered for the booklet. The key features of the recipes should be to help towards your 5-a-day, be low in fat, salt and sugar and above all else they should be tasty! Recipes will be judged by a distinguished panel of judges and winning recipes will be added to the published booklet with your name. All ages are welcome to get involved.

Please send your recipes, along with your name and contact details to: The Recipes, Dover District Volunteering Centre, 26 Victoria Rd, Deal, CT14 7BJ or email Sam on healthwalks@nhs.net by 20th No-vember to be considered.

Introducing… Who are you?

My name is Joseph

Dublin and I am

the new Manager

of the Dover Dis-

trict Volunteering

Centre based in

Deal.

What do you

hope to achieve

from your

current role?

I hope that the tremendous value of volunteering is

recognised and that the dedication and commit-

ment of all those who volunteer is supported and

encouraged. Attracting new volunteers to experi-

ence the benefits of volunteering and enable people

to continue to enrich their lives and enhance their

community.

I believe everyone has something positive to con-

tribute to their community, enabling us all to live

and work in an environment that we can be proud

of. As a district with a port of significant im-

portance, I like many, believe we can all do some-

thing to realize the benefits of such an asset.

With the current economic situation in mind, volun-

teering may be one of the paths we have to take to

support those of us in most need and to attract

where we can, economic wealth to the district.

How long have you being volunteering?

I took up volunteering when my children were at

primary school. A former school governor, Group

Scout Leader, Charitable Trustee and I give of my

time to support the Royal British Legions’

Poppy Appeal—winning the Business Charity Award

with the Coventry Building Society.

What did you enjoy most about any of your

volunteering roles?

I think working with the Scouts is my most memo-

rable, however, I’m still not sure how much of an

impact I made on the young person’s lives and

would they have chosen the direction in life they

now lead, with or without Scouting. Young people

are very talented and given the chance they can

often exceed expectations.

What would you like for Christmas?

That no one is left lonely this Christmas and a large

portion of ‘peace, love & happiness’.

Joseph at the Business Charity Awards