Over 150 volunteers were thanked for their generous gift of time and energy over the past 18 months, at an event held in the grounds of Ganton Hall
Venetia Wrigley, High Sherriff of North Yorkshire, kindly hosted the event and in her speech, emphasized the gratitude of the whole community to Ryedale volunteers: “As volunteers, you are the ones that hit the front line, day after day from the very beginning - many of you continuing to volunteer even now, when work and ‘normal life’ has started to resume.”
Mrs Wrigley went on to say: “it is the volunteers who gifted their time selflessly for others - and to them, today we raise a glass to say thank you - be proud of yourselves and never underestimate the difference you made then, and continue to make to the welfare and wellbeing of Ryedale.”
Representatives from North Yorkshire County Council, including NYCC Chairman Cllr Stuart Martin, and Ryedale District Council, including RDC Chair of Council Cllr Janet Frank, joined together with staff representing the emergency services and a wide range of charitable organisations to extend their thanks to the volunteers, whom have all been heavily involved in the coordinated response to the pandemic.
The Thornton Dale Ukelele Strummers and Andy Duncan’s band both provided music for the evening, which gave the fantastic volunteers an opportunity to relax and enjoy the grounds at this outdoor event with food and drink provided. As organisers, we have been humbled by the response from volunteers, with many sending emails of thanks and kind words for how much the evening has meant to them.
We would like to thank everyone involved with the organisation, including several volunteer helpers on the day, Venetia Wrigley for kindly hosting, and everyone who attended as a guest; for making the event such an uplifting occasion.
Photo credits to Richard Jemison of Jemison Photographer Ltd.