In celebration of Volunteers Week in the UK, we are featuring returned volunteer and chair of VSO UK’s Gloucestershire support group Gwen Owen. Find out more about her commendable work for VSO.
Gwen became chair of the Gloucestershire group in 1972 and has been supporting VSO UK ever since, over 40 years now. She was a head teacher and teacher trainer, retiring in 1980 after a career working in London, Birmingham, Lancashire and Yorkshire before settling in Gloucestershire. The Gloucestershire group is a big fundraising group and raises an impressive £2,000 - £2,500 every year through street collections from April to September. As chairman of the group Gwen still actively helps to fundraise, going out with a VSO collecting can on many of these street collections, in sun and rain. In 2007, Gwen was awarded an MBE for her work with VSO. Current and past group members speak with great respect and affection about Gwen and her indomitable spirit. A truly remarkable woman.
What brought you to support VSO?
I first heard about VSO in the early 1960s. I was headmistress of Brighouse Girl’s Grammar School at the time and my head girl made an unsuccessful application to VSO. A real shame for VSO as she was excellent! Another student at the next college I worked at went on a VSO placement in 1967. So I’d heard of VSO before moving to Cheltenham in 1970 and getting involved with the group. I’ve always been very interested in the whole thing and in people who were prepared to help and go overseas. I felt that the whole idea of VSO was an excellent idea. I was always convinced that I wouldn’t have the pluck to apply and do it but have great admiration for those who do. I also have an interest in things that happen abroad and I’ve done a lot of travelling – China, Japan, Thailand, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand among others.
What are particular highlights you remember from your time with the supporter group?
In the 1970s we were a large tight-knit group and that was a highlight of my time with the group. But it’s just all been good. My highlights have been the people I’ve worked with in the group. Working with Penny Fernando (the group main contact who does all the organising these days) has been marvellous. She’s absolutely amazing and it’s been wonderful to work with her. John Linnard who looks after the finances is a stalwart. Getting my MBE was a highlight too.
What’s the best thing about volunteering with VSO in the UK?
I enjoy talking to people – whether they’re VSO volunteers or people on the street who have never of VSO. Sometimes we have had a person on the street who disagrees with what VSO does which is good as you can have a conversation with them and discuss the views. You may not convince them but it’s good to talk with them. I also enjoy the whole concept of helping others whether they’re next door to you or hundreds of miles away.
What else do you do when you’re not out with a tin for VSO?
I raise money for the Church Missions Society – they also work in helping others and helping overseas. I run a stall for them at their fundraiser and also take things to auction rooms. I do less now in my spare time than I used to but I do like meeting friends and talking with them about life as lived now as compared with the past!
What are your hopes and aspirations for the Gloucestershire supporter group for the future?
I’d like to see it get bigger and continue. So many groups give up and drop out of existence because so many people (youngsters especially) are busy with their own lives. The group has been going since the 1960s and my hope for the future is that it continues for another 50-60 years. We’re just a little group plodding on – perhaps most people won’t know we’re there. We would welcome more people to come forward to help out and my hope is that we can find that, especially more up to date, newer volunteers. We’d like a few new ideas – it’s what one needs to keep things going. I raise money for the Church Missions Society – they also work in helping others and helping overseas. I run a stall for them at their fundraiser and also take things to auction rooms. I do less now in my spare time than I used to but I do like meeting friends and talking with them about life as lived now as compared with the past!
What are your hopes and aspirations for the Gloucestershire supporter group for the future?
I’d like to see it get bigger and continue. So many groups give up and drop out of existence because so many people (youngsters especially) are busy with their own lives. The group has been going since the 1960s and my hope for the future is that it continues for another 50-60 years. We’re just a little group plodding on – perhaps most people won’t know we’re there. We would welcome more people to come forward to help out and my hope is that we can find that, especially more up to date, newer volunteers. We’d like a few new ideas – it’s what one needs to keep things going.
Find out how to fundraise for VSO