Two volunteers who were recognised in North Yorkshire County Council’s inaugural community awards last year have joined forces to benefit the communities they each work with.
John Scoble, from Ryedale, was named volunteer of the year and Ian Robinson, from Richmondshire, was a runner-up in the same category.
John, a former primary school head teacher, initiated a Music in the Community project for all ages and now runs five weekly ukulele groups made up of between 50 and 60 people in the Ryedale and Scarborough areas. Most of the people in the groups are over 60. They include members of a sight support group and others living with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke and multiple sclerosis. The groups have performed in public, helping to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
Ian founded Scorton Community Buddies (SCB), a befriending scheme, just over a year ago. The service is provided by local volunteers to help prevent loneliness and social isolation for elderly and vulnerable Scorton residents. SCB volunteers visit people in their homes, escort them to village events or just chat on the phone. Since its launch, the SCB has carried out home visits, played games, organised social events and de-iced and gritted garden paths and pavements.
The two men met at last year’s awards ceremony when John decided to split his prize money with the two runners-up. This led to some of John’s ukulele players, the Ukulele Strummers from Thornton le Dale, playing at an SCB event hosted by Abbey Care Village in Scorton earlier in March. The performance was attended by village residents, the care home and children from Scorton pre-school. The musicians played, sang and encouraged everyone to join a sing-along.
Councillor David Jeffels, chairman of North Yorkshire County Council, and Councillor Carl Les, leader of the County Council, attended to recognise and promote the excellent work of volunteers in the community.
Cllr Les said: “Last year’s inaugural awards highlighted so much excellent work, and it was wonderful to see two of the winning volunteers coming together to benefit both of the communities with which they work. It shows that the awards not only recognise the great work being done by volunteers but can help to further it.”
Ian Robinson said of Scorton Community Buddies: “The response has been very good, we have had lots of support and funding from Richmondshire District Council and the Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby Clinical Commissioning Group.
“A major success of our scheme is bringing people together on a regular basis for afternoon tea or a tea dance. Our social events are in great demand and bring people together who live by themselves but are still quite independent. Our events are often held in conjunction with the local care home. Everyone enjoys themselves immensely.”
John Scoble says of his ukulele groups: “We laugh as much as we play.”
He says music not only provides a social outlet for the players, but also benefits those who hear it.
“The response from people living with Alzheimer’s can be amazing,” he said. “There can be people who never say a word, but as soon as we start to play It’s a Long Way to Tipperary they start to mouth the words. I have had people who care for those with dementia saying that they are amazed at how the music makes a difference.”
The ukulele groups have numerous events booked this year, but John also hopes to record a charity CD and stage a charity concert at the Kirk Theatre, Pickering.
He said: “I think the community awards are a terrific idea. I found the fact that I was acknowledged a bit embarrassing, because there is so much that goes on, making such a difference to people’s lives, that is unheralded.”
Anyone in the Ryedale or Scarborough areas interested in joining one of John’s groups can contact him at johnscoble@btinternet.com.
This year’s community awards were launched on 1 March. They will recognise and celebrate voluntary work by individuals and organisations across the county.
There are four categories:
Best community project
Best community group
Volunteer of the year
Young people volunteering award
Councillor Jeffels said: “Volunteers are becoming the backbone of an increasing number of aspects of life in North Yorkshire. Out of the financial challenges we have seen, and will continue to see, unsung heroes have emerged in our communities to help those around them.
“These awards have emphasised what a wealth of skills and caring we have in the county and, even more importantly, the many people who are prepared to share those skills to the benefit of those less fortunate in our communities.”
The closing date for nominations is 31 May 2016. Nomination forms can be completed online at www.northyorks.gov.uk/communityawards. Anyone who is unable to complete the nomination online can call 01609 780780.
The winner of each category will be awarded £1,000 for the relevant project, group or nominated relevant local charity in the case of the volunteer awards. Two runners-up in each category will receive £250.