The Weston Rotary Club Charities Fayre at The Sovereign last Saturday was brilliant, writes Daniel Aldridge.

I was so excited to go along and chat with so many brilliant people and organisations.

The Fayre supports local charities and organisations by giving them the opportunity to promote themselves, seek volunteers and raise funds by selling Christmas gifts.

These events always highlight the importance of our volunteering groups here in Weston, and the incredible value they bring to our community.

Just at this event alone, there were so many, including the Girlguide Association raising money for their group and a trip in 2025, the wonderful Weston Food Bank continuing to help fundraise for those in Weston that need support through to our very own Multicultural Friendship Association who are a small, voluntary, charitable organisation committed to equality and diversity – the space was filled with lots of dedication and enthusiasm.

I was especially pleased to find some vintage Christmas tree ornaments to buy from the W-s-M Sea Cadets and the fantastic painted flower pot from the Guides.

Our town owes a lot to those who volunteer week in, week out – from the numerous uniform groups supporting children and young people by providing mentoring, a chance to explore, and preparing them with skills for life; through to the incredible volunteers at Weston Hospicecare who help run their shops and provide a lifeline with their Men in Sheds initiative that helps bereaved men by providing a safe space to come together, I am always full of admiration for those that do so much for our communities.

National Volunteers Week is in June, and we will be launching a special awards campaign to shine a light on all the incredible volunteering groups in our town.

Watch this space for more information.