CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

COMMUNITY workers from across Kent were praised and thanked for their efforts on behalf of others at a garden party at the County Showground, Detling, on Saturday (19 September).

The Celebration of Community Involvement event was hosted jointly by the Lieutenancy of Kent and the County Council.

More than 400 guests included winners of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, charity workers, volunteer members of the emergency services, scouting, cadet and youth leaders, friends of hospitals and churches, and members of residents’ associations and community help organisations.

Also among the guests were many former members of the wartime Women’s Land Army and Timber Corps.

The Lord Lieutenant, Allan Willett CMG, whose initiative the event was, said that in the current difficult and destabilising scenario it was important to encourage community spirit and a feeling of belonging and pride in our County.

He said those invited were a cross-section of Kent’s army of volunteers who go out of their way to do more than their bit for their communities, and added:
“This is a very special gathering of very special people who are the backbone of our very special County.”

“People like you helped form our strong communities. People like you are first to step forward when things need to be done to enhance others’ lives. People like you are the glue that holds our communities together.”

He had a special word for the former Land Girls and Timber Jills, whose massive contribution to World War II victory has now been recognised with a special badge of honour.

County Council Chairman John Davies said Kent was fortunate to have as Her Majesty’s representative such an inspirational Lord Lieutenant as Allan Willett, who with his team of Deputies – themselves all true volunteers – was contributing enormously to the well-being of the County and its communities.

“Kent County Council provides excellent services to the people of Kent but we cannot do that without the army of volunteers and the organisations who support the many caring services that are available within the County. We are all clearly dependent upon volunteers who add so much value to our lives in this great County.”

He added: “The County always needs more volunteers and with your enthusiasm for volunteering now is the time to say to others in our community that they too can enjoy the tremendous fun, camaraderie and sense of achievement that comes with helping others in whatever capacity one serves.”

Music during the garden party-style event was provided by a Kent Music School jazz group – and by the Swingtime Sweethearts singing wartime favourites.

The party ended with the Lord Lieutenant, the Vice Lord Lieutenant Viscount De L’Isle, and the County Council Chairman joining the former Land Girls in singing ‘We’ll Meet Again’.