On 17th and 18th March no less than 23 different local voluntary groups were on show at the first ever Tandridge Volunteer Fair held at The Arc in Caterham-on-the-Hill. Representatives from a diverse range of organisations such as Scouting, the East Surrey Samaritans, the Tandridge Talking Lions and Ridge Radio were on hand to meet visitors and talk about the service they provide to the local community. The event also provided an opportunity for the different organisations to meet each other and learn about other voluntary services provided in Tandridge.

The leader of Surrey County Council, David Hodge, opened the fair and stayed to chat to many of the voluntary groups.

Caterham resident Jill Greaves, is hoping to become a 'Community Responder' following her visit to the fair. She said: "I have always wanted to be a paramedic but felt I had left it too late in life for a career change.

"At the fair I met Dawn, the Caterham Community Responder who told me about her volunteer work supporting the ambulance service and I have since applied to train to join the team. I think I would find it very rewarding to support local paramedics on a part-time, voluntary basis and help save lives in Tandridge."

The fair was organised jointly by the Tandridge Voluntary Service Council and Ridge Radio.

Mark Jones of Ridge Radio said: "I am really pleased with how it has all gone and it is amazing that it has all been put together on a budget of just £200. The fair has highlighted the need for more volunteers to come forward in our community and created awareness of the wide range of volunteering opportunities available. We are looking forward to putting the fair on again the same time next year!"

If you missed the fair and would like more information about volunteering opportunities in Tandridge, please call Volunteer Co-ordinator, Rosemary Banks on 01883 344444.