Our SeptemberGeneral Meeting had the valuable contribution of  Simon Osborne (click for full profile),  talking about The challenge of Fundraising for a Small Charity.

Simon Osborne is a Deputy Chairman of the principal railway industry charity, the Railway Benefit Fund. The charity is embarking on a re-launch and major fund raising initiative in which he is playing a lead role.

Our latest Skills Exchange was a huge success - and an excellent opportunity for VSF friends looking for challenges. Our two new Partner Charities presented their exciting projects and the skills they need to make them materialise.

Click here to learn more about ELATT and the volunteering opportunities offered.

Click here to learn more about the Citizens Advice Bureau and their volunteering vacancies.

This was the latest in our regular series of VSF general meetings, which give Forum members the chance to hear from a speaker with interesting and relevant experience to the activities of the Forum.

Graham Wilson was the guest speaker in the meeting, with the subject "Volunteering by 'professionals' - a delicate balance of human needs". 

Graham is a leadership coach, psychotherapist and inter-faith minister with extensive experience of working in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. His focus: creating workplaces that enable people to achieve things they never dreamt they could. Graham has authored seven management books focusing on organisational development, and brought a very interesting perspective to the Forum. 

Kissmann Langford hosted a Sunday charity open house on 17 September. In a relaxed, fun event of art, glass, jewellery, fab foods and an exciting auction, a substantial sum was raised to support VSF's ongoing activities. 

Thank you to all who came and helped make this event a stunning success!