25 fruit trees, donated by Dorset Council, have been planted at Tumbledown Community Growing in Weymouth to thank and honour Dorset’s volunteers who came together to help through the covid-19 pandemic.
Cllr Jean Dunseith conducted the official ceremony on behalf of Dorset Council with several invited volunteers from the town who helped during the pandemic.
Cllr Dunseith said: “I am here today to say a big thank you to our outstanding Volunteer Heroes who kindly helped neighbours and residents in Weymouth and across Dorset during the pandemic. Nearly 100 people were nominated by local people for their selflessness and commitment following an appeal to the public to nominate their own heroes through the Dorset Volunteer Heroes Award scheme.
“From checking in on neighbours, delivering groceries and medicines or visiting those feeling isolated, I know your efforts were, and continue to be, hugely appreciated so please accept our thanks.
“Planting fruit trees across Dorset including here at Tumbledown celebrates the fruits of your labours and at a time when we are facing a Cost of Living crisis, offers a valuable food source for local people in the future.”
The council has donated a further 45 fruit trees in honour of the volunteer heroes, which will be planted over the next few weeks across the council area, including locations in Bridport, Blandford. Dorchester, Gillingham and Wimborne.
Cllr Val Pothecary, Chairman of Dorset Council, acknowledged the wider support volunteers offered through the pandemic
“Dorset’s volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds – from students to paramedics – and we owe them a massive debt of gratitude for going above and beyond to support our communities.
“More than 2000 volunteers offered their support during the pandemic with services such as food delivery, medication collection, dog walking, befriending and much more, providing vital support for residents.
“I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our amazing volunteers for all that you have done and all that you continue to do to help our communities.”
If you would like to be a volunteer, please visit Dorset Vounteer Centre
Some of the volunteering heroes from Weymouth area who attended