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I have always said that our charities, clubs and organisations are the beating heart of our community, the glue that holds us all together. Without them our lives would lack the richness that characterises living here.
We have identified over 60 charities, clubs and organisations, offering a wide range of opportunities from charity work, leisure activities to areas of special interest. What is integral to all these opportunities are the people who provide the activity and the people that take part. Without either of them, we would have a struggle to maintain such diverse opportunities.
In my opinion living here comes with rights and responsibilities. It is a social contract. The cost of being able to live in this special community is to put something back, either in the voluntary sector, or running or being a member of the clubs, which provide so much.
As I attend functions in my civic capacity, the constant message I am given is that new blood is needed, either to run charities, clubs and organisations, or new members needing to be recruited. There is a myth, I am told, that you have to wait to be asked. This is far from the truth; you will be welcomed with open arms.
I appreciate that there are now far more time pressures in peoples lives than historically has been the case. All the charities etc, would welcome involvement at a level which suits the person concerned. To coin a phrase "every little helps".
To try and promote all we have to offer, I am putting on a Charities, Clubs and Organisations Fayre on the 18th of November in the Island Hall from 10a.m. until 2p.m. All of them are invited to attend. The plan is for every participant to have a table from which they can explain exactly what they have to offer to attract that new blood I mentioned above. It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the very best of Alderney.
There will be tea and cakes to purchase organised by the "Lifeboat Ladies" on behalf of the R.N.L.I. At my request they agreed in a heartbeat - a fine example of what I am talking about.
I would love as many of the members of the community, who are not already involved, to come along and see what is on offer. There will, I am sure, be something for everybody. Whether it's helping a charity or being a member of a club it is a massive contribution.
You might want to know what being a States Member involves and might even be tempted to take the baton from me.
There are lots of new faces on the Island who might not be aware how much we have to offer to enrich their lives.
If we do not succeed, I fear we will see over time the erosion of our cultural richness and life would be the poorer for it. Please spare half an hour to come and have a look.
