Tuesday 9 April 2019

Calling on our communities

In the decade since we made the bold step to become a unitary authority we were under no illusion that if we wanted to make a successful transition we would need the support of our communities.

Communities are the lifeblood and bedrock of any county and that’s particularly the case in Wiltshire.  We have had the need to call on them over the last 10 years and they have stepped up to the challenge each and every time. From supporting us in our libraries, with children in care, and counting at our elections, to being a friendly face warmly welcoming refugees from Syria – they have played a vital role that we never take for granted.

With the national spotlight going to be on Wiltshire this summer with our spectacular National Armed Forces Day Celebration Event, we are once asking for help. Just like the memorable six weeks or so in 2012 when Her Majesty the Queen visited Wiltshire, quickly followed by the equally iconic Olympic Torch, we need volunteers to help make our event a success and one that will live long in the memory. It’s not often that events of this scale are on Wiltshire’s doorstep and we hope this inspires people and they will be excited, keen and proud to be involved.

Of course, your support is also very welcome. Working at an event means you get to spend time with staff that you wouldn’t normally, it helps build positive working relationships that you can take forward into your day to day jobs. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone and doing something new from time to time is by its very nature a little nerve-wracking, but the sense of achievement afterwards is well worth it. It’s no surprise that year after year we see the same familiar faces offering to provide support because when they’ve done it once, it’s something they want to keep on doing. Momentum is really starting to build towards 28 June, when the celebrations get underway, so please get in touch and get yourself right in the thick of it and experience the atmosphere first hand, not on the sidelines.
Email AFD2019@wiltshire.gov.uk to get involved and I look forward to seeing you there.

We are our own community here at Wiltshire Council, you are our lifeblood and bedrock, and we can’t do this without you, nor would we want to.

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