Volunteers update 2024
As published in The Hereford Times, Jan 2025
Volunteers celebrating after very successful event - a popular gig by singer-songrwriter Lake, December 2024
From DJ nights to Diwali celebrations, marmalade competitions to mandala mindfulness workshops, and creative writing courses to craft cafes – in 2024, The Oxford Arms hosted over 60 free events attended by 3,000 people of all ages.
Open Arms Kington (OAK) bought The Oxford in 2023. OAK is a community organization creating a community hub and pub that will give everyone a place to belong. Despite huge challenges along the way, OAK has seen their vision come to life through the dedication of the 40 volunteers now helping to run the Oxford.
2024 Oxford Arms AGM - followed by our volunteer’s Christmas party!
It’s been a year of extraordinary teamwork. We estimate that it’s taken 10,400 hours of voluntary labour to plan and put on events, carry out maintenance, run our regular bar and café opening hours, and complete a significant funding bid for the essential building work. That’s the equivalent of 6 people working full time for a year! We’re taking this opportunity to celebrate everyone who has given their time and energy to The Oxford – and the 44,000 people across Herefordshire who regularly volunteer in their communities.
If you’re still stuck for a new year’s resolution for 2025, why not join a communityorganization like OAK? Volunteering is scientifically proven to be beneficial for mental and physical wellbeing. In return for your time, you get skills, friendships and the satisfaction of making a visible impact. “Working with the team here is amazing – everyone is so driven and positive,” says OAK volunteer bar manager Kevin Robinson. “We’ve achieved such a lot already. I’ve learned new skills, and I can see my contribution making a difference.”
Our volunteers range in age from 15 to 75. We are builders, gardeners, students, retirees, artists, third-sector experts, carpenters, medical professionals and more. There are no requirements to become a volunteer, just show up and get stuck in. What difference could you make in 2025?