So the time has come to ask for help. Wellington Monument needs you!

As you know, I am starting our events calendar with ‘Go Wild at the Monument.’ After this, there will be pumpkin trails, autumnal nature walks, star spotting – the list is endless. The site is perfect, I have the ideas, I just need some Monument Events volunteers to help and have fun with along the way.

The project also needs fundraising volunteers – those amazing people who do everything from sponsored events to hosting tea parties or organising a summer ball to distributing collection tins. These people will raise awareness of Wellington Monument and also directly contribute to its renovation.

The National Trust has 60,000 volunteers. This is the equivalent to 1,590 full-time members of staff. So many charities would not survive without the dedication and passion of their helpers. One thing I have noticed about the communities around the monument is that they are a dynamic bunch. I have to book meetings with people weeks in advance. My grandmother, a great believer in volunteering, always used to say: “It is better to burn out than fade away.” I am not saying that by helping with the project you will burn out – not at all – rather that your lives will be enriched by being part of it. That I can promise. Come and meet new friends, be part of a dynamic new team and part of the legacy for now, forever, for everyone.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you. Phone me on 01823 451587 or email [email protected] if you want to chat.

EMMA JONES

Community fundraiser and engagement officer