Imagine inheriting a chest of drawers, opening the different drawers and discovering a treasure chest! The top drawer contains the details of some fascinating and generous people who use their free time volunteering. The second drawer holds the details of well known charities, smaller organisations and groups that would benefit from the help of those volunteers. The third drawer is brimming over with diverse 'opportunities' – details of available volunteering roles, responsibilities, training and skills needs.

I recently took over from Marion Piggott as the manager of Caterham Volunteer Centre and although I have inherited a database, not a chest of drawers, each day brings me into contact with new volunteers and representatives of organisations who want to harness those volunteers.

I'm looking forward to getting better acquainted with all the contents of my treasure chest and creating a three dimensional tapestry making best use of the talents, time and skills of the volunteers and searching out new and exciting opportunities for them to try.

I am really excited by the challenge and am looking forward to playing an active and fulfilling role in the Caterham community.

For information about volunteering opportunities please ring me, Rosemary Banks at Volunteer Centre Caterham – 01883 344444 or email caterhamvc@ owen29.wanadoo.co.uk