Coronavirus: Skegness Volunteers Week cancelled after successful launch

Skegness Volunteers' Week groups showed their true Brit resilience by turning out to support a celebration of the work they do - only to face the disappointing news that the rest of the events have been cancelled .
Chris admiring the Jurassic  bunting. Volunteers at Lincolnshire Light Coast Railway (LCLR) logged 5622  hours last yearChris admiring the Jurassic  bunting. Volunteers at Lincolnshire Light Coast Railway (LCLR) logged 5622  hours last year
Chris admiring the Jurassic bunting. Volunteers at Lincolnshire Light Coast Railway (LCLR) logged 5622 hours last year

The launch of Skegness Volunteers Week took place on Monday at the Hildred’s Centre, where the work of some local groups and charities were showcased, providing opportunities for more people to get involved.

Last year thousands of hours given by the town's unsung heroes were recorded by the Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service (LCVS) initiative, which is delivered with support from Lincolnshire County Council, East Lindsey District Council, Skegness Town Council, Lincolnshire Coastal Destination BID and local charities including Skegness Rotary Club and Skegness Lions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The decision to cancel the rest of the week came yesterday after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's warned Britons to avoid non-essential contact and travel:

The Library crochet group supporting Skegness Volunteers Week in the Hildreds Centre.The Library crochet group supporting Skegness Volunteers Week in the Hildreds Centre.
The Library crochet group supporting Skegness Volunteers Week in the Hildreds Centre.

Kathryn Laverack, Area Office for LCVS explains: "In light of the government’s announcement yesterday and in the interest of public safety, sadly we have had to take the decision to postpone all of the activities taking place in the Hildreds Centre for Skegness Volunteers Week from today up to Saturday, including the planting at the Waterside Gardens.

"As this is considered a non-essential social gathering our focus now is better placed in supporting people in different ways over the coming days and weeks.

"Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service (LCVS) is a charity working in a variety of ways to support the health and wellbeing of communities and individuals, we wish to support our community in the best way possible during these difficult times and will be providing information shortly about how we can do this in line with government guidance and advice.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"A big thank you to everyone who has supported this initiative and we will continue to celebrate the time and skills provided by#SkegVolunteers across our communities."

Volunteers at County Linx Radio contributed 12432 hours to keep the community connected in the last 12 months.Volunteers at County Linx Radio contributed 12432 hours to keep the community connected in the last 12 months.
Volunteers at County Linx Radio contributed 12432 hours to keep the community connected in the last 12 months.

Chris Bates of the Lincolnshire Light Coast Railway (LCLR) said the decision was inevitable. He said: "Our involvement has brought considerable raising of awareness of the LCLR -- apart from engagement with the public.

"I'm very grateful to everyone who has made this possible and has put in much work behind the scenes to support it.

"Let's hope the opportunity to do it again without the effect fo the c virus presents itself in the future."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Among the events to be cancelled is the Volunteers Networking Day at the new Tower Pavilion in Tower Gardens (tomorrow) Wednesday.

Skegness Eco Centre, which was also involved in the week, has announced it is also cancelling all of its events involving face-to-face contact.

"We're looking developing new ways of keeping in touch with you all to continue to offer as much support as we can during these difficult times for everyone," a spokesman said.