Omar Al-Kamil
Trustee
He/Him
The Lantern parade aims to bring the people of Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire together, igniting the vibrant spirit of the local area. This will be a collective creation, shaped by the community’s ideas, energy, and artistic flair.
Volunteering with SPAN has been very enjoyable. It’s good working alongside other volunteers and helping members of the public enjoy the events. It’s been a very positive thing to do. A chance to meet more members of the community, make new friends amongst the volunteers and enjoy the events themselves. It’s also good to think I might be doing something to help SPAN Arts promote art and creativity in the community.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have spent volunteering for Span so far. The span team are lovely and very passionate about the projects they undertake making it a joy to be involved. At the time of my starting to volunteer I had recently moved to Pembrokeshire and through volunteering at Span has allowed me to meet new people in a variety of places and situations. Also being a Welsh learner has enabled me to be involved in events where I have been able to practice with fellow volunteers as well as members of the public attending the event.
I live locally to SPAN and was always fascinated by the beautiful display on the building. I looked into SPAN in more detail on their site and noticed the volunteering section. Having moved to Narberth (from Italy) I was looking for ways to be part of the community. I really feel welcomed into the group and have made good friends as well. I have also seen art events that I would not have been to without volunteering. If you can find time, I feel that volunteering can change lives.
I first got involved volunteering with Span Arts when I saw they were looking for volunteers to help at lantern making workshops for people to make lanterns for a Lantern Parade in Haverfordwest. Sticking and gluing – I love it!! I have enjoyed every minute with SPAN and volunteered at more lantern making workshops in subsequent years. I particularly enjoyed working with young people again, which I had missed since retiring.
I’ve really enjoyed it, especially when I know I’m being useful, like selling tuck or crowd control, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. As I explained to some of the potential volunteers, it’s nice to go out to an event to be part of a team and not worry about dragging someone else along (like a reluctant husband). I’ve met some really nice people over the years, from both Span volunteers and regular patrons.