Volunteer Voices
Janet is an Administration volunteer for Health Walks and David is a Health Walks Leader. Both Janet and Paul regularly go on Health Walks
Janet – Health Walks Administrator
I volunteer at the West and Southern CMS area office and am part of a really cheerful and supportive team. My role is to support and help promote the Health Walks and is varied. My work ranges from the routine, such as database updating, to drafting the occasional press release, and meeting with walk leaders to try to assist them. I feel that what I am doing can really make a difference.
Until my early retirement in November 2008, I was working full time driving to work every day. Now my life has completely changed. I can walk to “work” across fields, and I am far healthier than I have been in recent years. I am able to use my skills and develop new ones, whilst learning so much about the Hertfordshire countryside and meeting lots of new people.
David – Practical Conservation task leader and Health Walks Leader
I first started volunteering with CMS in 1988, although for many years I was only able to attend 5 or 6 tasks each winter. I have now been a member of the midweek team since 2004. During this time I have learnt new skills, become fitter and stronger and made new friends. I can honestly say that I enjoy all of the various jobs we do, although pulling up Himalayan Balsam is at the bottom of my list. Earlier this year I undertook a driving assessment and a leadership training course so that I could lead tasks when the Project Officers are unavailable.
I was also among the first group of people to be trained as Health Walk leaders in the autumn of 2005. Like everyone else who is involved with the Hitchin Health Walks, I have been pleased with the success they have enjoyed.
Janet and Paul – Health Walkers
We really like the health walks and usually do both the length of walks in Croxley. I (Janet) have found my level of fitness has definitely improved, so they work. It is all down to the excellent work done by the volunteer leaders and those who co-ordinate them. In the days of the credit crunch what can be better than a good walk followed by a cup of tea – good for us and the wallet!