Local community group, Castle Bromwich Community Project is all set to celebrate the achievement of student volunteers during Student Volunteering Week which will take place during the last week in February. A partnership between students and the volunteer run Castle Bromwich Community Project has reaped rewards for the community and all involved. Local residents, community groups and students have joined forces to restore the over grown graveyard by St Mary & St Margaret Church Castle Bromwich. Graves hidden by brambles for decades have been exposed; graffiti on walls removed and with the help of student volunteers wildlife garden areas are now being established. A volunteer has also created a website about the graveyard www.castlebromwichgraveyard.co.uk
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Student Volunteer Week, students will be assisting the Castle Bromwich Community Project from 21st to 24th February when it is hoped to restore the water supply to the graveyard and to create a shrub border around the perimeter. The students have also worked towards a John Muir Award which encourages people to connect, enjoy and care for wild places and a celebration event for their achievements will take place on February 24th. They will be among thousands of students across the country celebrating Student Volunteering Week.
49%[1] of students volunteered in the 2009/2010 academic year, each giving on average 82 hours per year to their community and £1000 to the economy.
Terrie Knibb, Chairman of the Castle Bromwich Community Project said:
“Student Volunteering Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the hard work of the thousands of student volunteers up and down the country, whilst encouraging students who have never volunteered before to get involved. The diversity of roles available really is endless and the contribution made by student volunteers absolutely outstanding.”
The Castle Bromwich Community Project welcomes all volunteers and anybody wishing to contribute to the graveyard restoration should contact Terrie 0845 5212436.
[1] Taken from ‘Bursting the Bubble’, a study undertaken by the Institute for Volunteering Research, and commissioned by NCCPE, in 2010 (see www.ivr.org.uk)
