SOUTH West Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison opened the #WhatsYourGift? Volunteer Fair in Warminster last Saturday June 1.

More than 60 prospective volunteers browsed up to 41 exhibitor stalls to check out a wide range of volunteer roles available.

The event at Warminster Civic Centre was part of the annual National Volunteers’ Week campaign, which runs from June 1-7.

Deborah Gogarty, of the organisers, Warminster Area Board Health and Wellbeing volunteer group, said: “It was the first event for us in raising awareness of volunteering as a beneficial activity.

“Our three aims were to raise awareness of health benefits of volunteering, showcase the diverse opportunities available locally and get people to consider what ‘their gift’ could be and what skill or experience they could offer.

“Some of the 60 plus visitors who attended stayed for long period and many had queued to wait for the 10am opening time.

“People were still talking after the fair closed at 12 midday.

“We had lots of positive feedback from visitors with requests for another event and for it it to last longer.”

WCR FM broadcast live from the event and the Baden Powell Scout Group helped with teas and coffees as well as with the initial set up.

Activities included CPR demonstrations, a community responder vehicle, there were free goody bags, courtesy of Waitrose, Morrisons and Cordens, for the ‘early bird’ arrivals.

Mrs Gogarty added: “There was a lack of youngsters looking for opportunities although there were many taking part.

“The organisation taking part were delighted with the networking opportunities provided and made useful connections among themselves.

“But many of the exhibitors were surprised at the level of competition with some expressing the need to ‘up their game’ on recruiting new volunteers.”