BOTH the Vale Centre for Voluntary Services (VCVS) and the Vale Volunteer Bureau (VVB) had an action packed series of events which signified the finals AGMs for both.

Both the organisations will merge in April 2015 to form a new charity.

VCVS executive director, Rachel Connor and VVB director Alison Steere gave great reviews of the year 2013/14 for their respective organisations.

Jane Hutt AM was the keynote speaker and afterwards said: “I was delighted to speak at this special AGM which celebrated the achievements of both VCVS and VVB. Their dedicated service to the Third Sector and communities in the Vale since 1997 has been considerable. Being innovative and responding to new needs has been the hallmark of both organisations. I very much look forward to working with the new organisation when VCVS and VVB join forces next year.”

The event concluded with real life stories from volunteers Keith Crabtree and Morgan Rogers which were enlightening and inspiring.

A cheque presentation also occurred courtesy of the Dish out Dosh Panel’s youth led grant scheme for grant recipients who have been successful with youth interest projects and 11 people received their volunteer star awards with 4 volunteers receiving Agored Cymru awards in ‘Volunteering and Community Participation’.

Twelve Millennium Volunteer (MV) awards were given in recognition of young people’s contributions to volunteering. The audience was overwhelmed by the amount of commitment shown by the inspiring people aged from 16 who collected their awards.

If you would like to find out more about what VCVS does to support groups and how you can volunteer through the VVB please contact us:

VCVS at vcvs@valecvs.org.uk or call them on 01446 741706. Visit their website at www.vcvs.org.uk or contact VVB on info@vvb.org.uk or call 01446 421782. Visit their website at www.vvb.org.uk.