Shefford mayor Paul Mackin: Volunteers in our community

Some people receive a small amount of money for their efforts, such as the retained fire fighters. Some receive some very basic travelling allowances, such as our special constables. Many people do not receive one penny in payment. Think about the organisers and coaches of our children’s football teams. Think about the leaders of scout, guide, brownie and all the other children’s activity groups. All of these people who deal with our future generations work long hours for no pay. A past High Sheriff tried to work out how many hours of voluntary work our communities receive. He gave up when the figures got too large for his calculator. Speaking of High Sheriffs, they are unpaid volunteers as well.

We have a need for some volunteers in Shefford, particularly for our Streetwatch Team. The job is not arduous. The main requirement, apart from a spare hour or so now and again, is that you are able walk around the town.

Streetwatch members receive a couple of hours training from our community policing team. The job is not a ‘confrontational’ role; it is simply observing what is going on in your local area. Team members meet up, in pairs, and walk around the town for a couple of hours. Any things of interest are reported to the Streetwatch Co-ordinator and he passes the information on to the police.

If you would like more information contact the Shefford Streetwatch Co-ordinator Phil Howard on 07866 139594 or me on 07807 219044 or come to Support4Shefford on July 12 in Shefford House.