A Coast & Country voluntary worker has been honoured with a Volunteer of the Year award.
Harry Slattery, aged 75, was recognised by Redcar & Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency (RCVDA) for his extensive work at Coast & Country’s Westfield Farm, which relies heavily on the work of volunteers.
Located in Dormanstown, ‘The Farm’ is a one-stop-shop that provides the kind of high quality advice, guidance, training and support that helps people get back into work.
Harry has been an integral member of the Westfield Farm community since 2013 and has made a huge difference during his time at Coast & Country’s flagship community training and resource centre.
The 75-year-old runs an extremely popular training course teaching volunteers and service users how to grow vegetables and maintain their own planting areas. Harry has also used his artistic side to raise money for the centre by selling paintings of local landmarks.
The award ceremony was held at Westfield Farm and was followed by afternoon tea in the picturesque grounds.
Barry McBride, Westfield Farm Co-ordinator, said: “Everyone at the farm is so proud of Harry’s achievements, he has been such a committed and brilliant volunteer and is an inspiration to both our staff and service users.
“Harry brings such passion to everything he does, especially his gardening workshops, making him a real asset to the centre, we couldn’t imagine the place without him.
“I would like to offer my congratulations to Harry, the award is a testament to all of his hard work and is the recognition he deserves.”
Harry said: “I am so grateful to have received this award, I thoroughly enjoy everything I do at Westfield Farm. I am surrounded by great people, doing things I love, so it doesn’t feel like work at all. The place has such a fantastic and positive atmosphere and I am honoured to be part of it.”