Organisers of an event to celebrate Grant Park in Forres being gifted to the town 100 years ago are calling on people to get involved.
The volunteer drive for the event will be officially launched today (May 15), when representatives from Grant Park 100 attend a Volunteer Marketplace being held in Forres Town Hall where people can find out exactly how they can lend a hand.
Grant Park 100 will take place on Saturday, August 24 and not-for-profit company, Forres Events Limited, the organisers of the one-day event, say that the key to the success will be the members of the community who give up their time.
So far, over 20 volunteers have put their hat in the ring with representatives from Forres Academy, Forres Scouts, Forres Boys Brigade, Forres Highland Games, Forres Heritage Trust and others signing up.
A volunteer committee has been working behind the scenes of the event since the end of last year, and now that the main structure of the day has been finalised, it’s time to enlist the support of more volunteers who can give some time in the week running up to the event and on the day itself and the day after.
Co-ordinating the volunteers is Ainsley James, who volunteers with the Forres Heritage Trust and was involved in Piping at Forres which was staged by FEL for six years.
She said:
“Forres has an unrivalled reputation when it comes to giving service to its community and excellent relationships already exist with youth groups and others who have participated in previous events in the town.
“Grant Park 100 has lots of opportunities for people to get involved in this great day of celebrations.
“As with other events staged in Forres, volunteers will be key to this event and there are so many different roles that need filling before, during and after the event.
“Some of these are more manual and physical, some are about helping to co-ordinate various aspects of the day to ensure the smooth running of different attractions, competition and arenas and other roles will include being visible to meet and greet the thousands of visitors we hope to attract to the event and making sure that the public know where they can find the different attractions and facilities.”
During the event volunteers will work in teams and will be assigned their own area volunteer co-ordinator.
Ainsley added:
“Over the years that I have volunteered for Forres Heritage Trust and Piping at Forres, we always received really positive feedback from the volunteers who would say that whilst they were there to help out, they thoroughly enjoyed the day and all the event had to offer, Grant Park 100 will be no different.”
To find out about volunteering for the Grant Park 100 event, you can visit the town hall today between 10am and midday, or find information at www.grantpark100.com and complete the volunteer form or email vol@forresevents.com, with any queries.
