Are you sitting comfortably? Then let us begin…
Many thanks to those of you who have taken the time to share your stories of what it’s like for you volunteering with RHET.
Here is a flavour of why folk give up their time to engage with us!
“I’m a RHET volunteer because of the reaction of the kids when they see a cow poop, the look of disgust when they smell my prizewinning silage that I’m so proud of, but most of all the excitement when they get to pat my favourite cow or let the baby calves sook their fingers. It’s a heart-warming experience.” Willie Fleming, Hillhead, Kirkpatrick Fleming, Annan
“I love children’s enthusiasm and their ability to be fascinated by even small details, often things we adults take for granted. It’s great to get a conversation about farming and the countryside going in a class and leave knowing you’ve sown some seeds in children’s minds”.
Jess Findlay Lothian CI chair
“I enjoy the ability to help youngsters, in an engaging practical experience, to make the link between farming and what they eat. So important for health, farming and eco - aware choices.” Christine Eccles Lothian CI committee member ex teacher
“The expression on a young person’s face when the visit the countryside, many for the first time, and get close to farm animals and nature.” Keith Morton Lothians CI Vice Chair Farmer
“Talking to young people about a subject I am passionate about- farming and food, seeing their enthusiasm, hearing their questions and comments. I love it!” Anonymous
“To promote our industry to the next generation of purchasing consumers, to educate on rural matters, enjoyment of sharing my experiences and lifestyle.” Anonymous
In the words of one volunteer ‘You can't complain that young people don't understand where food comes from and still not do anything about this also, we need young folk coming into the industry, this might inspire youngsters to think about job in a rural industry’ Anonymous.
Our appeal for RHET slogans in volunteer week resulted in a flurry of activity and the winning slogan ‘Help us plant seeds of knowledge and grow young minds’ came from Elizabeth Caird in Rosyth who is the winner of the fantastic Blair Drummond Smiddy Farm Shop hamper. We will be making full use of this slogan moving forward.
If you already volunteer – thanks for giving us your time and expertise. If you are not currently a volunteer but would like to find out more, please click here to register your interest in volunteering