Appreciating volunteers with coffee and cake at the Castle

Following what felt like days of rain and gloom, a bright blue sky and the winter sun shone brightly down on Allerton Castle this week, as a group of volunteers from all over North Yorkshire arrived as guests of Two Ridings to celebrate and acknowledge the brilliant work they do.

After the success of our October Dragons’ Den event, one of our supporters decided he wanted to do something a little different to acknowledge the groups who applied. As a trustee of Allerton Castle, Jonathan Wright suggested we invite the volunteers to have a look around the private estate and enjoy coffee and cake together. A little treat to say Thank you for all they do.

People came from all over the county, many of whom didn’t know the grade 1 listed nineteenth century Victorian gothic house existed, and certainly had no idea of the grandeur inside: the wood pannelled Great Hall, the deep blue ballroom and stunning Music Room.

It was a time to chat together, discuss issues in their communities, let their hair down and feel appreciated. The positive buzz in the room was palpable.

The Mayor of Harrogate and the future High Sheriff of North Yorkshire joined the volunteers in tea and cake and Jan Garrill, Chief Executive of Two Ridings talked about the importance of volunteering and the impact it has on communities.

One volunteer from New Beginnings Peer support talked about how proud she felt after gaining funding for the charity following her heartfelt speech at the Dragons Den event and how it was one of the biggest buzzes she had ever experienced.

Another volunteer from Just the Job in Richmond talked about how valuable your own personal lived experience is when volunteering  and how everyone can gain from doing a bit of good.

Jonathan, the Allerton Castle trustee, expressed his gratitude to everyone there, and volunteers throughout Yorkshire, echoing the sentiment of how important they are.

For Two Ridings it was a real pleasure to meet up with some of the people who provide the on-the-ground support our grants fund.

What’s more, all the left over cakes were boxed up and went straight to SELFA community fridge in Skipton. We love that!