The Harwich Society’s army of volunteers were the guests of the Society’s chairman, Colin Farnell, on Friday evening as he hosted a Chairman’s reception to thank everyone for their efforts over the last 12 months.
Harwich Society volunteers packed the Navigator in Barrack Lane to hear Colin Farnell say that they were the life blood of the Harwich Society and that without them nothing would be done. He was particularly proud of the fact that those present spanned nine decades in age proving that you are never too young or too old to lend a hand.
Colin Farnell says, “It is a major task to staff and maintain our 7 local visitor attractions but that is only the tip of the iceberg. From publishing and delivering the Society’s quarterly magazine through to maintaining our extensive archives there are volunteers of all ages working very hard on so many aspects of Harwich Society life. They are a brilliant team.”
The Harwich Society has enjoyed another very successful year assisting thousands of visitors to our town, running and supporting events throughout the local community and campaigning in a non-political manner on behalf of our town. Membership is consistently over 2,000 with the winter programme of monthly talks regularly attracting over 100 attendees.
“It is sometimes a good idea to take a step back and look at just how well the Harwich Society is doing,” continued Colin Farnell. “I believe we make a very positive contribution to our wonderful town and this is entirely down to our fantastic team of volunteers.”
The reception was very well attended and Colin Farnell was extremely grateful to the 4th Dovercourt Sea Scouts who were present to assist on the evening.
“The Harwich Society works very closely with the 4th Dovercourt Sea Scouts and they aided the smooth running of the evening,” said Colin Farnell. “It was a lovely atmosphere and it was great to see so many of our volunteers chatting to colleagues about so many aspects of Harwich Society activity. Listening to the conversations it was clear how proud everyone is of the Harwich Society and our fantastic town.”
The Harwich Society is now in full preparation to play its part in the Mayflower 2020 celebrations which will have Harwich at their heart. The Society is part of the Harwich Tourism Group and is working very closely with Harwich Town Council and Tendring District Council in readiness for what will be a very important year for our town.
“2020 is going to be a very important year for Harwich and the Harwich Society will be playing its part to make sure Mayflower 2020 is a great success,” continued Colin Farnell. “Seeing our army of unpaid, willing volunteers at last night’s reception shows that we certainly have the people to support this very special year.”
For further information please contact
Colin Farnell on 01255 553610
Garry Calver on 01255 551940
