The Lees Award crystal trophy was presented to Lizzie Roberts (Chairman) and Christina Grieve (Secretary) from Gaddesden Place RDA at the Volunteer Centre AGM on September 11th 2006, by Susan Ellis. Susan is President of Energize Inc in Philadelphia and a world renowned expert on volunteer management.

The Gaddesden Place RDA Group were nominated for the Award by their volunteers for the wonderful support they receive. This was one of the comments from a volunteer:-
"Within 20 minutes of my email enquiry about volunteering, I was phoned by the Group Organiser who arranged to meet with me at the group premises the following day. Despite having no experience of working with horses I was told that my help would be greatly valued – and that I could be trained. I have been encouraged to acquire new skills – and take on new responsibilities – but only those with which I feel comfortable. From my very first day with the organisation I have been made to feel a valuable asset and an integral part of the team. I have always been greeted warmly on arrival and thanked personally at the end of every session".

Neither Sheila Finnie, the RDA Manager, nor Betty Lees, the Volunteer Centre President and the inspiration for this award, were around for the AGM, so Betty made a special visit to the stables for the pictures below.

Seeing double? Spot the difference? Take a close look at the 2 photo's.
The answer is Murphy!

Click on this link to find out more about Gaddesden Place RDA

The trophy will stay with Sheila and her team for the next 12 months, but who will be in the running for the 2007 Award? If you volunteer locally and wish to nominate your group then please contact Volunteer Centre Dacorum for a nomination form or Click here to download the form.

The Lees Award is sponsored by Dixons Stores Group International plc. As well as receiving the trophy the winners collect a certificate and a cheque for £200.

Runner up in 2006 was the ROAR Project at Mencap Dacorum. Volunteers were full of praise for the Project Co-ordinator Liz Walker. Picture shows Liz (right) with Susan Ellis and Mencap colleague, Elaine Precious.

If you are responsible for volunteers within your group and would like to check out your volunteer management, please contact the Volunteer Centre for a chat or to use our various reference materials. Our little guidebook "Involving Volunteers" is available free from our office.