Marking community groups' anniversaries

Around 80 people came together as the Community Newsletter marked its 5th birthday and the First Responders their 8th birthday. Both groups cover the wider area around Carloway and rely totally on volunteers to organise and deliver their services: First Responders by being on hand 24/7 with lifesaving skills, and the Newsletter by helping the community to share news and information on activities within the area.

Volunteers from both groups joined up to host the relaxed and enjoyable event in the Community Hall, where refreshments were served, including a beautifully iced cake that looked like a special edition of the newsletter.

The First Responder team had brought along their equipment and were able to demonstrate some of their training and lifesaving knowledge and skills.

Copies of the newsletter going back over the 5 years were on display, giving a monthly record of activity in the community.

The Volunteer Centre Western Isles was supporting the groups by providing their local volunteer awards, the Kisimul (for adult volunteers) and Callanish Awards(for children under 12), to recognise and thank the valued contributions of volunteers in both groups.

This is the first occasion when these awards have been given in the Carloway Area.

Two young primary children help deliver the newsletter to part of the village and they were awarded Callanish Awards.

Two young First Responders were awarded national Saltire Challenge Awards for playing the role of casualties in training sessions. Kisimul certificates were given out to 25 adults, some of whom volunteer with both groups.

Pictured are the volunteers with their awards