VOLUNTEERS are the vital lifeblood of the Ross Community Development Trust and as part of the commemorations to mark John Kyrle’s 300th anniversary of his death, are hosting a special festival.

The Festival of Volunteering, which is being staged on Saturday, September 28 at St Mary's Church is open to everyone who is involved in the many fantastic projects in and around Ross and indeed anyone who is interested in volunteering.

The festival will provide an opportunity to come together in the company of fellow volunteers, swap stories, renew old connections, make new ones and most of all celebrate the fantastic multi-faceted benefits of supporting the local community which John Kyrle was so instrumental in.

Ali Park, project officer for Ross Community Development Trust was busy at the Market House last week chatting with local shoppers.

“A key part of our remit is community engagement, whether that be directly through our shopping and befriending services and dedicated helpline, through our regular newsletters or by attending local events to talk to people about their needs and how the voluntary sector can cater for these,” Ms Park said.

The festival, which runs from 4pm to 8pm. will feature live music with the well-known local duo Chocolate Teapot, aka Dene Godfrey and John Winder, who are both active volunteers themselves, along with a fun photo booth, a pop up bar courtesy of the Motley Hog Brewery.

The trust are also in the process of designing celebratory button badges. If you are interested in volunteering, just go along on the day for an informal chat with the many groups who will be represented there.

If you are a voluntary group and would like to be included in the festival and have not already registered, email [email protected].