Lincolnshire CVS Celebrates it’s 25th An

Lincolnshire CVS Celebrates it’s 25th Anniversary

Thursday 12th October 2023

On Thursday 5th October 2023, Lincolnshire CVS celebrated its 25th anniversary at the beautiful The Beonna at All Saints venue in Benington.

David Fannin CEO shared the origins of LCVS, which began as the Boston Council for Voluntary Service, and highlighted past and recent achievements through short videos and key facts and figures demonstrating the breadth and depth of LCVS’ achievements.

Amongst the highlights, LCVS recently had its Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation renewed, which reflects its work ranging from training and advice on good practice, vital Disclosure and Barring checking service and specific volunteer activity such as volunteering campaigns and corporate social responsibility. In the last year alone, LCVS registered 352 volunteer roles for volunteer involving organisations, DBS checked 500 people who needed clearance to volunteer, delivered 39 support workshops, helped community groups to secure over £480,000 to support their activities and logged more than 27,500 separate social prescribing interactions. LCVS celebrated Silver award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, was a finalist in the National Association of Link Workers Employer of the Year category and achieved a national ‘first’ when it recruited, mentored and supported a young leader onto the board of Boston Primary Care Network and the Boston Town Deal Board.

David paid tribute to the trustees, staff and volunteers that have steadily built up a reputation for knowledge, advocacy and professional support for local communities, volunteers and strategic partners. Special Recognition awards were given to Barbara Blatherwick, a Founder Trustee for LCVS and former Chair, and Kevin Edwards for 14 years long service. John Latham, Chair of Trustees, shared his experience of the vital role of the board and good governance.

Amongst the celebration activities, Environmental Project Officer, Leanne Hill, led a touching ‘Knit a Poppy for Remembrance Day’ micro-volunteering activity. Commemorative plaques were presented to recognise the special relationship LCVS has enjoyed with Boston Borough Council, South Holland District Council, East Lindsey District Council, South Kesteven District Council and Lincolnshire County Council for so many years. The ‘Singing For Fun’ community group provided inspiring entertainment and Councillor Nick Worth, Leader of South Holland District Council, and Rob Barlow, CEO of the South and East Lincolnshire Council Partnership closed the afternoon with words of support and encouragement.

David Fannin said; “For 25 years Lincolnshire CVS has played its part in changing the landscape of the voluntary and community sector and partnership working in Lincolnshire. The organisation has gone from strength to strength where it really matters to local people and communities. I am extremely proud to be a part of this journey and to work with incredible teams who give their all to supporting this community. We are looking forward to the future and what Lincolnshire CVS will achieve next.”

This message was endorsed by John Latham who added; “Your belief in our mission and your commitment to community and volunteering has shaped us into who we are today. Thank you to all of LCVS’s trustees, staff, volunteers and partners for standing with us and believing in us.”

The whole event was a wonderful and memorable celebration. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey over the last 25 years.

If you would like to get involved and ‘Knit a Poppy for Remembrance Day’, you can collect a knit-kit in Boston, from either St. Botolph’s Church, The Centenary Church or The Friendly Bench.

Key achievements and information about Lincolnshire CVS can be found in the Report of the Board of Trustees which can be found on our website www.lincolnshirecvs.org.uk