AN ORGANISATION which looks after 134 community groups in and around Okehampton held a special presentation in the Ockment Centre last Thursday to recognise the work of volunteers.
As part of National Volunteers Week the Okehampton and District Council for Voluntary Service presented certificates to volunteers working with all sectors of the community from family care groups to farmers hit by the foot and mouth crisis.
Recipients were aged from 16 to 81-year-old Mildred Stacey, one of the 46 volunteers who came forward to help with raising funds for the new Okehampton Hospital.
The energetic Mildred, who will be helping at the hospital appeal information centre in the Okehampton OK office, said she loved to be a part of things and if anyone asked her to do something she would if she was able.
Manager of the Okehampton and District CVS Carmel Fanconi said the octogenarian was typical of the volunteers in this community.
'Judging from the nation's average figures we should have about 80 voluntary and community groups but we have 134 registered with us alone,' she said. 'There are probably lots more who we do not help.'
Carmel said that within five days of being informed that West Devon Borough Council was to set up a help centre in Hatherleigh for people affected by the foot and mouth crisis, she had volunteers on board with nursing and counselling backgrounds.
'To get people of the calibre who can cope with the sort of distress that foot and mouth has caused in such a short space of time is terrific,' she added.
The CVS is always looking to boost its volunteer numbers and Carmel is conscious that with the town due to expand dramatically over the next ten years the services of the voluntary sector will be called on even more.
Margaret Jeffreys from Chagford has been a volunteer in one way or another for the last 30 years and is currently involved with the 1st Chagford Guides, Okehampton Probus Club and the Arthritis Research Council as well as being a school governor and parish councillor.
Originally from Chagford she came back to the area to retire but is busier than ever with her voluntary work.
'I absolutely love it, especially working with children which is my real forte,' she said. 'I have had tremendous support from the CVS and Carmel is fantastic. She always points us in the right direction if we need anything.'
Mrs Jeffreys said she got much more out of volunteering than she put in: 'You realise the problems other people have to deal with and if you can help in some way the satisfaction you get is wonderful.'
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer contact the Okehampton and District CVS on 01837 55047.