A SPECIAL event was held last Thursday (February 16) to celebrate the hard work of volunteers in Northfield.
The event was put on by the Northfield District Community Network, a body which includes a number of local organisations, including the Northfield Community Partnership, Frankley Parish Council and Bournville Village Trust.
The evening, held at the Quarry Club on Quarry Lane, which gave the room for free, featured performances by a number of local artists and groups.
Among those taking to the stage were the Northfield Notes Community Choir, who also led a mass sing with those gathered, The Glamophones and former Birmingham Poet Laureate Spoz who had penned a special verse entitled ‘Volunteers’.
MP Richard Burden gave a speech on the evening, in which he praised the volunteers for making such a difference, whether it was with helping young people, older people or the vulnerable.
“Were it not for volunteers that difference would not happen.”
He went on to talk about the growing importance of volunteers in communities because of cuts to services by local authorities.
“Voluntary and community groups can do things in a way that big companies and other organisations can’t.”
He also thanked the Northfield Network for putting on the celebration.
“Every person here makes a difference and this thank you is to all of you,” he added.
Carole Lowe, who organised the event, said: “Everybody here has given so much – this is about celebrating that hard work.
“It’s not about how much time you give, but the fact it is given.
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.
“No one person can do everything but if we all do a little we can make a huge difference.”
