A GLUSBURN Institute boss has spoken of the joys of volunteering.

Vice-chairman Roy Attwood is urging fellow South Craven residents to offer their time to help run the village’s community and arts centre.

He spoke as the arts centre’s team prepared to hold an open evening to show potential volunteers the wide range of activities they could get involved in.

The event on Friday June 1, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, has adopted the motto “making it happen in Glusburn”.

Would-be helpers can chat with existing volunteers over coffee and cakes about the various volunteering opportunities and the volunteer benefit package.

Mr Attwood said he had undergone extensive training throughout his working life as a mechanical engineer and design draughtsman, as well as gaining practical experience both on the shop floor and in offices.

He said: “I feel that after achieving so much in-depth training over the years it is shameful to leave all this behind when it can be usefully shared in many aspects of everyday life.

“In official retirement it is far too easy to put one’s feet-up and become a couch potato. Volunteering retains a purpose in life which I consider to be advantageous to one’s self-esteem and wellbeing.

“To this end I have also encouraged others of my generation to be wary of wrapping up and shutting themselves away from society, as I have experienced this approach having a negative effect on personal wellbeing.

“Volunteering helps to keep things moving forward when money alone, or lack of it is not enough, and I am happy to be part of it.”

Glusburn Community and Arts Centre is described as a valuable resource for the South Craven community, with a varied programme of weekly activities for all age groups, supplemented by events and entertainment.

The long-established community centre hosts an annual pantomime featuring local children in February, and the Fallfest festival of entertainment each September.

The arts centre has hosted headline concerts by well-known singers like Beverley Craven and BBC radio presenter Clare Teal.

It also has monthly film nights and regular performances by touring theatre companies, such as Red Ladder’s drama The Damned United.

The volunteer open evening is being held as part of National Volunteer Week.

All those attending will receive a free ticket to watch the film Paddington 2 on the same evening at 7pm.

Email sarah@gicac.org.uk or call Sarah Golding on 01535 630223 for further information.