As it is #NationalVolunteersWeek we have asked our Friends in Residence and Gardening Friends to give us a couple of sentences about why they offer their time to Woodbroooke, and if they can, to sum up their experience in three words.
From Sheila and Ann (Friends in Residence): ‘Challenges, Chances, Community’ (also Gardens, Guests and Gossip)
From Kevin (Friend in Residence): Friends in Residence provides the most amazing opportunity to provide hospitality to people from all parts of the world!
Friends in Residence provides the opportunity to deepen oneself in our common humanity
Being a Friend in Residence is Fun! Being a part of a team in all things human and Quaker brings out the best in all of us!
Complex, Overwhelming and Nurturing in the best sense of each word! Full of life!
From Robert (Gardening Friend): I volunteer because I can. Volunteering at Woodbrooke means that in a small way I can make an input to a wonderful institution that contributes so much to the life of Quakers. However volunteering is rather selfish, I do it because I enjoy it. I love gardening on the large scale that the gardens here require and I enjoy staying at Woodbrooke where I meet friendly and interesting people every day.
In three words: Challenging enjoyable service
From Les (Friend in Residence):
- I enjoy being an integral part of what makes Woodbrooke work, performing a useful and valued role.
- Rising to new challenges
- Meeting old friends and making new ones from home and abroad.
- On a personal level, spending time in a calm and harmonious environment.
From David (Gardening Friend): ‘always feel welcome’
Lastly, we would like to thank everyone who has donated their time to helping out here at Woodbrooke.
