Dave, Centre Manager
Well this is it folks, my last constructive act of CEO of the Volunteer Centre Chesterfield & North East Derbyshire. As some of you will know I’ve decided to call it quits, throw in the towel, hang up my voluntary sector boots and any other analogy you can think of!
Come May 2026 I’ll have been doing this for 30 years so perhaps now is a good time to get out and leave it for someone younger.
I’ve had a great time and I’m very thankful to the staff, volunteers and Board who have supported me along the way. As someone once said in a song “It’s just a ride”
Janet, Administration
Back in 2010, I wandered into The Volunteer Centre after being made redundant — which is a polite way of saying, “surprise, you don’t work here anymore.” I had no idea I’d end up volunteering in the office, but apparently they looked at me and thought, “Yes, that one. Put them to work.” That unexpected detour gave me the confidence to apply for the Elderfriends Co-ordinator role. When Elderfriends lost its funding, I slid gracefully (…or something close to that) into the office admin role instead. And when I’m not busy organising, or generally keeping the place from falling apart, you’ll find me indulging in my other great passion: coffee. Preferably with gingerbread syrup. Preferably in a mug bigger than my face.
Liz, Home from Hospital Co-ordinator
I began my epic career as an office volunteer in 2003, mostly because someone let me near a photocopier and I never left. By 2009, I had leveled up to admin assistant, a promotion so monumental I briefly considered hiring a marching band to announce it. Since then, I’ve become wildly passionate about volunteering—possibly too passionate. If volunteering were an Olympic sport, I’d at least get a participation medal. In my free time, I heroically take on new challenges, attempt skiing (with varying degrees of dignity), and walk my three dogs: Archie, Winston, and Reggie. Technically, they walk me, but we don’t need to get into the details.
Steve, Home from Hospital Co-ordinator
Way back in 2016 I received a phone call from a strange man called ‘Dave’ whilst holidaying along the banks of Lake Como, the result of which was me entering 38 Knifesmithgate. I only came for a couple of years originally, but it’s been nearly ten now, will I ever escape, do I even want to?, I seem to recall a bespectacled lady in a headscarf hiding behind a curtain saying “you’ll never leave” , I think her name was Tubbs? There was a fire burning outside with remnants of society around and within it, and on the half horizon a silhouetted band of Circus performers led by a top hatted clown speaking in tongues!