On 24th May, Cllr. Sakina Bradbury became the new Chairman of Tandridge District Council (TDC). Soon afterwards, Sakina discussed her main plan for her year as Chairman with Mike Moss, Chairman of Tandridge Voluntary Service Council.

Sakina told Mike that she wishes to promote the voluntary sector in Tandridge. She is not in any way against individuals or companies providing much needed funds for the many various voluntary groups in the area – in fact, the more the better. However, she is very keen to increase the numbers of volunteers for the groups in Tandridge.

There are over 350 voluntary groups in the TDC area. Some are national groups, some are fairly large local groups and some are quite tiny consisting of four or five people. Quite a number 'share' voluntary aid with volunteers helping two or more groups. Sakina has set a target to see the voluntary sector increase its numbers by an additional 500 people in Tandridge.

Tandridge Voluntary Service Council runs three Volunteer Centres. One in Caterham, one in Oxted and one in Lingfield. The numbers of new volunteers via the Centres last year was roughly 250. Mike said that he felt sure that with the support of the new Chairman of TDC an increase in new volunteers to 500 was not out of the question.

Sakina is sure that there are many people who could manage a couple of hours per month and if they could do more then this would be a great help. During the Chairman's year, she is going to run a special day to celebrate the gaining of more volunteers.

If you are interested in helping Sakina reach her target and would like more information about volunteering in Tandridge, contact Mike Moss on 01883 713322 who can put you in touch with your local Volunteer Centre.