Royston community forum a ‘worthwhile exercise’

A community forum aimed at helping groups has been described as a “worthwhile exercise”.

The forum was set up as part of the legacy from the Royston 2012: A Year of Celebrations and saw more than 40 people from town groups attend the initial event in Royston Town Hall last Thursday evening.

Town councillor Lindsay Davidson, who was chairman of the Royston 2012 committee, said: “Just by seeing the number of people who turned up showed there was a need for an event of this kind.

“It certainly was a worthwhile exercise and gave the groups the opportunity to share ideas and experiences,” she said.

Those attending heard from Denise Graham of the Royston Volunteer Centre, North Herts District Council’s community officer for Royston Alan Flack, and Graham Palmer, chairman of the Royston Arts Festival.

The speakers gave presentations on volunteering, fundraising and the need for groups to be aware of each other’s activities.

In a break-out sessions those attending discussed the challenges faced in running community groups such as sharing ideas, future planning and the need to retain volunteers.

“We covered some of the most important points about running voluntary groups and the ideas exchanged to be much appreciated,” said Cllr Davidson.