For National Volunteers Week, in our June edition, we asked for you to put forward your nominees for Retford’s Favourite Volunteer – nominated by Retford Life readers. We were inundated with nominations — it was difficult for us to pick one winner but there was one story that really stood out. At 90 years young, Betty Teanby is still an active volunteer sharing her skills and expertise with our local musical theatre youth group the MOB where she is currently resident choreographer. As a thank you for her dedication, we teamed up with Ivy Green Floral Design to say a special thank you and deliver a ‘thank you’ bouquet. Betty’s story, along with a selection of some of the other deserving nominees’ stories are below.
Betty Teanby
Despite her advanced age Betty’s energy and enthusiasm knows no bounds and each week she volunteers her time to work with our young people developing their skills and confidence. This year she has also volunteered her services to Retford Amateur Operatic Society, setting all the dances for their recent production of My Fair Lady. In addition to these weekly commitments Betty can often be found on local judging panels for talent shows.
Victoria Henderson
“I would like to nominate Victoria Henderson for the volunteer of the year. She organises everything at Retford Rugby Club to ensure that nearly 100 children can learn to play rugby in Retford. I think it’s totally under estimated the amount of time that is needed to run this club. It’s a huge asset to Retford. I am very grateful that Vicky and the coaches that give up their time, so my son can learn to play rugby.”
The Wednesday Group Volunteers
“I work with ten people that I consider to be the best volunteers in Bassetlaw. I feel that the most impressive thing about this particular group of people is the way they work together to support Wednesday Group members and also to support each other. The Wednesday Group is a weekly social group for people with dementia and their carers.”
Jan Williamson
“I would like to nominate Jan Williamson because she has been volunteering, and actively leading on most occasions, for organisations in Retford for many years. She is one of those people that just drives on, and gets things done! She does all sorts of jobs from catering, cleaning, publicity, organising, leading projects, coffee mornings, manning stalls at events and looking after fellow volunteers — just everything.”
Elaine Shaw
“All of the members of the Retford Amateur Operatic Society Members Committee would like to nominate Elaine Shaw who volunteers an extraordinary amount of time at The Majestic Theatre, Retford. She coordinates all of the professional touring company bookings as well as all the local theatre groups and dance schools, works as stage manager on many of the shows and helps with the sound and light desk. And all of this on top of a full-time teaching job. Without Elaine’s outstanding contributions to the Theatre, we do not believe it would be the successful asset to Retford and surrounding areas that it is.”
Helen Page
“I would like to nominate Mrs Helen Page for all voluntary work that she does, not only for Girlguiding (she has run 1st Retford Brownies for over 40 years) and for her work with the Mothers and Toddlers group at Grove Street Methodist Church. I know she gives over and above 100% of her care and time to both organisations and is always looking for an opportunity to be of service to others.
Supported by:
Ivy Green Floral Design
07908 050012
ivygreenfloral@gmail.com
www.ivygreenfloraldesign.co.uk