Volunteer

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. 

“At age 12 I ad-libbed in a school operetta and got a laugh. As a trumpeter I have always loved the stage but never minded not earning much. I cut my teeth as a stage manager at Glastonbury. It’s not about the money, it’s the smell of the grease paint and the roar of the crowd. All aspects of running a show are rewarding, be it cloakroom, box office steward and all the other cogs that turn to put on a show. lt’s grrrreat!”