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THE VOLUNTEERS BEHIND LET’S ROCK THE MOOR
(15 May 2012)
Sir Winston Churchill once said: “We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give”. If the late Prime Minister were to visit Cookham today, he would undoubtedly be very impressed by the number of volunteers who donate their time to local worthwhile causes and who enrich our local community. One such event which exemplifies this spirit of volunteerism is Let’s Rock the Moor.
When
thousands of 80s fans flock to the family-friendly concert next Saturday
to see the likes of Midge Ure, Bananarama, Tony Hadley and Nick Heyward,
around 100 volunteers from all walks of life will be working behind the
scenes to make the event possible. The two charities which support Let’s
Rock the Moor, the Wooden Spoon and the Link Foundation, have helped to
provide volunteers from organisations like the Cookham Dean Cricket Club,
the Maidenhead Rugby Club and individuals have also come forward and
offered their skills and experience.
"Many of our volunteers have been with us since we started Let’s Rock the Moor in 2009," says organiser, Nick Billinghurst. “They have helped set up and take down the arena fencing, they have cleared up rubbish, helped on the entrance and marshalled the ever-growing crowds who come to Marsh Meadow for the event. They sign up every year because they obviously enjoy doing it, but also because they see the great benefit it brings not just to the charities we support, but also to the wider community."
Some
of the children’s entertainment this year will be provided by
volunteers. Sima Stannage from Sima’s Action Kids will be returning to
the event with some high-energy music and dance entertainment for the
under 10s. Sima, who has recently been nominated for two national awards
for best children’s party entertainment and best local activity for the
under 5s, says:
" I
am really looking forward to performing again at Let’s Rock the Moor
because it celebrates the best of 80s music which I grew up with, so it
will be very nostaligic for me. It‘s an amazing opportunity to be
involved in a event that brings the focus of whole country to Cookham and
uses our beautiful countryside in the Royal Borough. I can't wait and just
hope the sun is shinning like it did last year."
A
team of volunteers from Herries Preparatory School in Cookham Dean, led by
parent Helen Mason, will be manning the children’s play area, so that
toddlers can let off some steam in a safe environment. All of the toys are
being generously provided by the Holy Trinity Toddler Group at the Parish
Centre in Cookham, which has been running for about 20 years.
"Herries
has long been a part of the Cookham community and is proud to associate
itself with Rock The Moor which has achieved so much success since its
inception," says governor and parent, Nigel Watts.“ A close
community spirit has always existed in Cookham and the school has a
history of participation in many of the local events from Dragon Boat
racing through to local fund raising, Rock the moor is another superb
example of how the local community can collaborate and stage another
wonderful event."
Similarly, Charlotte Strudwicke, who runs the Holy Trinity Toddler Group chose to help out because she loves the spirit of philanthropy and fun behind Let’s Rock the Moor. She also hopes to spread the word about the toddler sessions on a Thursday and Trinity Nippers on a Tuesday, so that new families to the area hear about them and don’t feel isolated.
Further information:
*Sima Stannage has been nominated for two What’s on for Little Ones Awards:
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