Residents are being urged to “get involved in their community” and attend a special event in Bo’ness Town Hall.
The Bo’ness Volunteer Fair takes place on Thursday, September 28. It will showcase local community groups, with the aim of attracting new supporters and helpers.
The Fair has been organised by the Bo’ness Networking Group (Bo’net). Residents can drop in any time between 3 and 7 p.m. Admission is free.
“Volunteering is for everyone and anyone – whatever your background, experience or abilities,” said Maria Ford, one of the organisers.
“Come along and find out how you can get involved in your own community. Everyone will be welcome – including children.”
A wide range of charities and organisations are setting up stalls at the event, which has been sponsored by the Earls Gate Community Fund:
- 3rd Bo’ness Scout Group
- Aberlour Children’s Charity
- Bloomin’ Bo’ness
- Bo’net / Bo’ness Community Council
- Boness Car4U
- Bo’ness Children’s Fair Festival
- Bo’ness Rugby Club
- Bo’ness Salvation Army
- Branches
- BUZZness
- Cycling Without Age Scotland – Bo’ness Chapter
- FDAMH – Social Spark Service
- HippFest
- Linlithgow and Bo’ness Rotary Club
- Park Planters
- The Breastfeeding Network UK (Forth Valley)
- The Conservation Volunteers
- The Friends of Kinneil
- The Newtown Park Association Limited
- The Scottish Railway Preservation Society
In addition, a number of funders and support groups will also be at the Volunteer Fair:
- The National Lottery Community Fund
- Falkirk Council Community Learning and Development
- Coalfields Regeneration Trust
- CVS Falkirk and District
Said Maria: “We’re delighted that representatives from organisations such as the National Lottery and the Council will be on hand to give advice to our exhibitors and anyone else dropping into the Volunteer Fair. If you’re looking for funding or your support for your community group, pop in to the Town Hall on September 28.
“We’ll also have a café area, offering drinks and some snacks to allow a bit of networking to take place. I hope the local community will support the Volunteer Fair.”
The cafe area is being sponsored by Tesco, Bo’ness.
Bo’net represents community groups across the Bo’ness area. It previously ran a similar volunteer Fair with CVS Falkirk and District in 2019.
Bo’net chair Madelene Hunt said: “Over the last few years, Bo’ness has grown considerably, with lots of new houses being built. Volunteering is a perfect way for ‘newcomers’ to make new friendships and get involved in community groups.
“Or perhaps you’ve reduced your hours at work or retired – and are looking for fresh challenges? A volunteer role could be the very thing for you.”
She added: “I grew up in Northern Ireland, but have spent many happy years here in Bo’ness. I volunteered to serve on the Community Council and then got involved in setting up Bo’net as a spin-off organisation to support our voluntary sector.
“I’ve met many friends through community activities and my life is all the richer for my volunteering.”
Likewise, Maria was one of the founders of the Friends of Kinneil charity – going on to serve as its chair. She’s currently involved in a number of community groups.
Both women had the honour of meeting the King when he visited Kinneil Estate in Bo’ness in July.
Maria said: “It was lovely to see the King come to Bo’ness and meet lots of people involved in voluntary activities.”
You can find out more about the Volunteer Fair by logging onto the Bo’net website at www.bonet.org.uk Community groups can also sign up for a free listing and a regular newsletter to keep them up-to-date.
Bo’net is a SCIO – a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation – registered with OSCR, the Scottish Charity Regulator. The charity number is SC049848.
Email Bo’net at info@bonet.org.uk
The Volunteer Fair is open to everyone. Drop in any time from 3-7 p.m. on 28 September at Bo’ness Town Hall, Stewart Ave, Bo’ness. The postcode is EH51 9NJ.
Useful links
- Information for stall-holders at Bo’ness Volunteer Fair
- Help promote the Volunteer Fair
- Information on the Bo’net website
This event has been organised by Bo’net, the Bo’ness Networking Group, with funding support from Earls Gate Community Fund, set up by the Earls Gate Energy Centre in Grangemouth.
Organisers would also like to thank all the partners and volunteers who have made the event possible.
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