FROM yoga to afternoon tea – volunteers at Ryecroft Hall in Audenshaw have been serving up an array of activities to the local community for over 35 years.
More than 600 members attend classes and drop in to the community café – which is open every day Monday to Thursday.
The community association, described as a “lifeline” to many residents, is one of four Tameside organisations to have recently received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services – the highest honour of its type in the UK.
A team of over 20 volunteers, including 12 committee members, regularly give up their time and work for free to deliver sessions, run the café and organise fundraising events. Local councillors Maria Bailey and Teresa Smith also sit on the committee. The many classes include Zumba, line dancing, bowling, art and mums and tots to name just a few.
Chair Pam Watkin, who has devoted 30 years to volunteering for the community association, said: “This is a very warm, welcoming and friendly place where people can come and enjoy themselves and perhaps learn something new.
“It’s a lifeline to many of our members, some who are widowed or maybe socially isolated.
“We are absolutely delighted to receive The Queen’s Award and I’m over the moon that our all our volunteers, who work so hard and give so much, have been recognised. It’s a great achievement for everyone involved.”
To find out more about Ryecroft Hall Community Association see www.ryecrofthall.co.uk
The other Tameside organisations to receive the award are: Willow Wood Hospice, Mossley Juniors FC and Droylsden Youth Centre. They are all being highlighted as part of the Council’s Proud Tameside campaign, which recognises people, places and services that make a positive difference to the borough and local lives.
