More than 100 volunteers have been thanked for their tireless work for Canterbury Oast Trust with a celebratory lunch.
Former BBC Radio presenter and keen supporter Barbara Sturgeon was guest of honour at the lunch, held at the trust’s Rare Breeds Centre in Woodchurch, near Ashford, which saw the volunteers thanked by chief executive Gill Gibb for their invaluable contribution to the charity.
Canterbury Oast Trust provides care and opportunities for adults with learning disabilities, with much of its work centring on the Rare Breeds Centre visitor attraction. The trust is sustained by volunteers who not only work at the centre but also at the Poulton Wood conservation project in Aldington, Coetrie Tea Rooms in Rye, Hi-Trade shop in Sidcup and help with educational training in Harrington College, Aldington.
Gill Gibb said: “We are so grateful for our volunteers’ hard work and dedication. In a single year they donate 15,000 hours, which relates to more than £100,000 worth of time. They make an invaluable contribution to the charity in so many different aspects.”
Staff from the Hi-Trade shop in Sidcup received a special plaque from Gill in recognition of their hard work.
True to form, the thank you lunch also raised funds for the trust thanks to a raffle and the auctioning of two cases of wine.
For more information on Canterbury Oast Trust visit www.c-o-t.org.uk
