All organisations go through periods where they are in need of refreshing and reinvigoration. This applies to charities as much as the commercial sector.
Back in 2012, Jackie Chapman (WCA Secretary) and I got involved in the Wimbledon Community Association (via Carlton Theatre Group) when the old community centre had to be closed. Together with Roger Drage, we set about saving the charity – and eventually reconfiguring it into its new virtual capacity with the Wimblecomm community hub.
After 7 years assisting the WCA, Roger recently stepped down. We are indebted to him for his hard work and support as a trustee during this period, particularly with his work on the Marketing Committee and leading the recent Wimblecomm review.
The other two trustees, Bill Lake (who joined us in 2013) and Sabrina Sostero (who joined us in 2018) continue to support Jackie and I, and our two part time staff members Susanne and Genevieve, in developing and marketing Wimblecomm as part of our charitable service to Merton communities. The team has recently set about revamping the site (with Tim, our developer) and the new improved Wimblecomm is almost here for all to see, providing an increasing number of local venues, events, articles and reviews about what’s happening across Merton. We hope you like it.
However as with so many small charities, we do need to bring in new blood to help us with our mission. Bill will very shortly be moving to another part of the country and Sabrina has taken on some other external commitments since joining us, so we are keen to bring in new people with an appetite and passion for contributing to their local community.
We are interested in talking to anyone, who wishes to contribute to our expanding service in whatever capacity and for as many hours as they can commit.
As we have reported on our website on various occasions in the past, volunteering brings its own rewards and sense of achievement. It helps connect people and gives you the opportunity to put something back into your local community. This can bring immense satisfaction and enhancement to your own personal well-being.
There was a timely reminder of the importance of volunteering at the recent National Volunteers Week from the 1st June. Wimblecomm had a stall at Mitcham and Wimbledon Library events that week and were pleased to talk to several people who expressed an in interest in our work.
For further details please have a look at our Trustee/Co-optee specification, and find further information on general volunteering opportunities here, or feel free to give me (David Hall) a call on 07974 371812.
Please don’t be shy in coming forward. The WCA is your local community charity! We look forward to hearing from you.
Written by David Hall
