In 1974, a dedicated group of individuals came together with a simple yet profound purpose: to make a difference in their community. Fifty years later, that small beginning has blossomed into a thriving organisation with an inspiring legacy.
On this significant anniversary of Welwyn Hatfield CVS, we reflect on the journey of the organisation v=over the past 50 years the many lives which have been impacted by services, and the dedicated community members who have fuelled our mission along the way.
A Humble Beginning
Our charity was founded with a deep belief that small, consistent acts of kindness could transform lives and strengthen our community. With only a handful of volunteers and limited resources, we set out on a mission to support the most vulnerable, provide essential services, and advocate for social wellbeing. From these modest origins, we have grown into a robust organisation, reaching individuals and families throughout the area and beyond.
Milestones and Achievements
Throughout the past five decades, Welwyn Hatfield CVS has evolved in remarkable ways, thanks to the steadfast commitment of our volunteers, partners, and supporters. Each milestone reflects our ongoing mission to adapt, innovate, and extend our reach.
Throughout the past five decades, Welwyn Hatfield CVS has evolved in remarkable ways, thanks to the steadfast commitment of our volunteers, partners, and supporters. Each milestone reflects our ongoing mission to adapt, innovate, and extend our reach.
- Expanding Our Reach
Beginning with a focus on local initiatives, we have expanded our services to address a broader spectrum of needs. By collaborating with other charities, public agencies, and private organisations, we’ve been able to amplify our impact and serve more individuals across the region. - Innovative Programs
Our services are carefully crafted to address emerging community needs. Over the years, we have introduced a wide variety of initiatives, from environmental projects and furniture recycling to targeted support for our diverse communities. Programs like litter-picking, community gardening, and our Staying Connected initiative reflect our commitment to promoting sustainability, social inclusion, and wellbeing. - Advocacy and Awareness
We have tirelessly advocated for solutions to pressing issues affecting our community, such as accessible transportation and tackling loneliness. Our campaigns have helped shape local policies, raise awareness, and ensure that vulnerable populations have the support they need. - Volunteering
Our volunteer centre has become a cornerstone of our organisation, empowering individuals to dedicate their time and skills to making a difference. These volunteers, who are at the heart of our charity, bring passion, expertise, and resilience to our work, helping us achieve goals that would otherwise be impossible. - Community Support
We are deeply grateful for the community’s generosity, whether through individual donations, business contributions, or grants. This support has enabled us to grow, sustain, and expand our efforts, even in the face of challenges.
Stories of Impact
Behind each achievement are the individuals whose lives have been transformed through our work. We are privileged to share a few of these stories (names have been changed) that illustrate the real-world impact of Welwyn Hatfield CVS:
- Maria was struggling with daily transport costs of £100 to visit her son in a London hospital. Thanks to our community transport services, she now saves nearly £60 each day, easing her financial burden during a difficult time.
- Elsie faced the daunting task of maintaining a 200ft garden overrun with weeds. Through our gardening project, we revitalised her garden, restoring her outdoor space and giving her peace of mind.
- Jack, newly released from prison, needed essentials like clothing and groceries to start afresh. We were able to provide him with what he needed, supporting his journey toward a better future.
- Janet, isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic, joined our Staying Connected program, receiving a laptop and digital training through a dedicated Digital Champion. Today, she not only stays in touch with family but also manages her NHS appointments with ease.
- David eagerly looks forward to his weekly calls with our volunteer, which have become a highlight of his week.
Additionally, we received this message from the Wellfield Trust:
Wellfield Trust
“I am delighted with the service received from Welwyn Hatfield CVS. Our charity had one Trustee vacancy for some time, and WHCVS provided us with invaluable help by advertising the role and forwarding all applications directly. This made the process smooth and successful, leading to the recruitment of a new Trustee. Highly recommended and many thanks!”
Recognising Outstanding Contributions
This year, we also had the honour of recognising some remarkable individuals who have contributed immensely to our community and organisation.
Congratulations to Eve Lloyd, who received the Tap Bali Award for her outstanding commitment to volunteering, spanning over two decades. Eve has worked tirelessly with various local organisations and charities, dedicating countless hours to serving those in need. She joined us via video link from Gibraltar, where she now resides after retiring from her role as one of our Community Car Scheme drivers earlier this year.
“I feel very honoured to be recognised and to receive your award. I think of you all often and wonder what is happening with the clients I used to drive around; I am sure they are still being looked after extremely well. I look forward to receiving the award and treasuring it as a wonderful reminder of my time with you. Thank you all.”
Eve Lloyd
We also celebrated the lifetime achievements of Dr. Dennis Lewis MBE, our Lifetime Honorary President and one of the founding members of the organisation back in 1974. With over 50 years of dedicated service to the community and the charity, Dennis has played a crucial part in shaping our services and driving meaningful change. Though he could not join us in person, Dennis shared an acceptance video, reflecting on his impactful journey with us:
“Hi team, this message is to you with love. This is the most unexpected and appropriate gift to a bloke who believed in the idea of a CVS in 1975, and you all together have helped us to create it. I’ve got Madi with me, and Madi is the typical of the sort of person you all are – cheerful, determined, and very lovable. Thank you for this. I will put it up in a splendid position on the wall where it’ll be visible to the public out there. Thanks folks, all the best to all of you, God bless you all – thank you.
Dr. Dennis Lewis MBE
Our Special Guests
At our AGM and lunch, we were honoured to be joined by Annie Brewster, JP – High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, and Cllr Frank Marsh – Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield. Both expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the dedication and commitment of our volunteers over the years, acknowledging the invaluable role they play in the wellbeing of our community.
We were also privileged to hear from two distinguished guest speakers. Sophie Linington, CEO at Citizens Advice Welwyn Hatfield, and Clement Musonda, CEO of Herts Vision Loss, provided valuable insights into their respective organisations. Their presentations gave us an up-to-date understanding of the work they are doing, followed by a helpful Q&A session where attendees could engage directly with these them on the challenges and future directions of their organisations.
Looking to the Future
This milestone is both a celebration of our past and a launchpad into the future. As we reflect on the achievements of the last 50 years, we are filled with excitement for the journey ahead. We recognise the challenges still facing our community, but also see the vast opportunities for meaningful change.
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
Our 50th anniversary is a celebration for everyone who has been part of our story. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our trustees, volunteers, donors, partners, and beneficiaries. Your trust and belief in our mission have powered our growth and success over the years.
As we look to the future, we invite you to join us in continuing this journey. Together, let’s build on the legacy of Welwyn Hatfield CVS, strengthening our community, and transforming along the way