Volunteer Voices: The Steading, Rosewell
As part of the National Volunteer Recruitment Campaign, we aim to promote volunteering by highlighting the experiences of volunteers in Midlothian. By looking at their journeys into volunteering and the impact it has had on their lives, we hope to inspire potential future volunteers.
We’re pleased to share a story from a volunteer named Marion. She volunteers with The Steading (Rosewell Development Trust), a vibrant hub that offers a range of activities and services to the community.
Marion
Volunteer at The Steading
“Soon after I retired and moved to Rosewell, I began to volunteer at the R.D.T. pensioners lunch club. Here I really saw the direct impact of volunteering and the different challenges faced by others.
It’s always fun and just a pleasure to listen to the stories and tales of the pensioners lives and hear about the history of the village and its residents.
I have become very good friends with my co-volunteer and together we enjoy coffee or lunches and meet up occasionally. We both feel very much part of the local community!
About a year ago I helped set up a ladies table tennis group. It started with a few local ladies joining and now about 12 ladies play on a regular basis. It’s a fun class, full of laughter and it’s a safe space for us all.
Afterward we have tea and coffee, and it’s here that lots of lasting friendships have been made.
Many of the ladies, myself included, have felt our fitness levels have improved and we have confidence to play with other groups, some of us now play 3-4 times per week.
The highlight is when we play with the local men’s team (once a month). They coach us and encourage our play and treat us to coffee and cake.
For me, volunteering is a fulfilling experience offering social connections and leading to great friendships”.
It’s always fun and just a pleasure to listen to the stories and tales of the pensioners lives and hear about the history of the village and its residents.
I have become very good friends with my co-volunteer and together we enjoy coffee or lunches and meet up occasionally. We both feel very much part of the local community!
About a year ago I helped set up a ladies table tennis group. It started with a few local ladies joining and now about 12 ladies play on a regular basis. It’s a fun class, full of laughter and it’s a safe space for us all.
Afterward we have tea and coffee, and it’s here that lots of lasting friendships have been made.
Many of the ladies, myself included, have felt our fitness levels have improved and we have confidence to play with other groups, some of us now play 3-4 times per week.
The highlight is when we play with the local men’s team (once a month). They coach us and encourage our play and treat us to coffee and cake.
For me, volunteering is a fulfilling experience offering social connections and leading to great friendships”.