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Dear Phil,
When I started to volunteer for BEN in August, I had been looking for practical work experience in a respected organisation that would give me a bit of a break from student academia. What I had not anticipated was how quickly my thoughts would turn away from what I could get out of my voluntary work to what exactly I could put in.
BEN has surpassed my expectations of working in a professional environment and has altered my attitudes towards volunteering in particular. Our care centres are rigorously organised, and the huge smiles on everyone's faces are a permanent feature, not just for our lovely posters and newsletters! The impeccable standards that BEN's centres and offices adhere to are a result of the overriding principle at BEN; we are the bridge between the automotive industry and some of its most vulnerable people, and above all we are here to help.
 BEN is not cause specific and for that reason the opportunities available to volunteers, such as myself, are vast. So far I've had the pleasure of interviewing some of our directors, writing articles for the volunteering newsletters and getting involved with BEN events alongside other volunteers and residents. There is always something on the go, from vintage car rallies and awards ceremonies, to job fairs and business meetings. Putting the 'care' in career, it is no surprise to me that BEN has firmly rooted itself at the heart of the automotive industry.
Annie Tippell
BEN Volunteer
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BEN at Royal Holloway's Volunteering and Job Fairs |
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 By Annie Tippell
Last month BEN infiltrated student life at Royal Holloway University of London’s annual volunteering and part-time job fairs. Organised by Royal Holloway’s volunteering organisation, Community Action, and directed by Volunteer Manager, Phil Simcock, both of the events saw a huge increase in the interest in BEN, with many students recognising the breadth of experience available through voluntary work.
Cindy Barraclough, who has been volunteering at these events for the past three years, said, "It's wonderful that BEN has such a good relationship with Royal  Holloway; the students enjoy a break from studying and are eager to volunteer with us."
The fairs were also open to the community for the first time. Our thanks go to the Mayor of Runnymede, Councillor Paul Tuley, and Acting Principal Professor Rob Kemp for opening the events that drew together such a large proportion of students, local residents and BEN supporters.
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B2B Vintage & Classic Vehicle Rally |
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 By Annie Tippell
This October our very own volunteer and vintage car expert, Eamonn Galligan, organised the B2B Vintage and Classic Vehicle Rally, taking over 30 cars from BEN's head office in Ascot to the Milestones Museum in Basingstoke.
The beautifully restored vehicles whizzed through 72 miles of English countryside, showcasing the enthusiasm of our supporters, as well as some of the finest examples of our industry's work.
A big thank you to Eamonn and all the entrants for making this one of BEN's favourite calendar events! Read more.
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Call for Volunteers |
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The International Motorcycle Show is taking place at the Birmingham NEC
from 27 November to 6 December.
Due to the recession a number of UK automotive shows have been cancelled this year, so we're lucky to be given the opportunity to take part in this one!
We are looking for active fundraising volunteers to help us raise awareness, sell raffle tickets and man the BEN stand. It's an excellent opportunity to socialise with like-minded people, see amazing motorbikes for free and most importantly, do something good!
Both individual and corporate teams of volunteers are welcome.
For more information email volunteering@ben.org.uk
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Volunteering Events |
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 20th Nov - Silent Auction, Town Thorns Community Hall, 19.00
20th Nov - Christmas Fayre, Alexandra House
20th Nov - Lynwood's Talent, Lynwood Garden Room, 14.00
25th Nov - Concert: Candace and Fabian, Town Thorns Community Hall, 14.00
27th Nov - Music For Health, Lynwood Garden Room, 10.30
27th Nov - Christmas Bazaar, Town Thorns Community Hall, 14.00
28th Nov - Christmas Fayre and Christmas Draw, Lynwood, 11.00
29th Nov - Sunday Service and Hand Bell Ringers, Lynwood Garden Room, 15.30
26-29th Nov - International Motorcycle Show, NEC Birmingham
4th Dec - Rincethorpe Choir, Town Thorns Community Hall, 14.00
5th Dec - Light a Life, Town Thorns Community Hall, 19.00
6th Dec - Light a Life, Alexandra House
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