Volunteer profile: Area Secretary
Len Banister : Essex Area
I
guess that my role is primarily to ensure that Essex Area actually benefits our
19 Groups without just insinuating an additional level of bureaucracy. I try to
do this by making sure that all our arrangements are clear and well planned,
that dates are known well in advance and that we as an Area are always ready and
willing to offer support, whatever is required.
I pursue Area projects with vigour, currently we are preparing for a county-wide demonstration in celebration of the Area’s 21st anniversary next June. We are also promoting some Area walks, social events and services like first aid courses.
All of this involves persuading people to do things or persuading other people to persuade people to do things. Before I took on this role I was the Essex Area’s Publicity Officer, in that role I instituted a monthly newsletter. I keep that going but have much more assistance with it now. The newsletter is of considerable benefit in that it is beginning to build an area identity and a sharing of ideas.
The big challenge for the future is to ensure that the RA’s charitable objectives (promoting walking, safeguarding the countryside, increasing opportunities for access to open countryside and protecting Britain’s unique network of public paths) are key to our activities.
Length of time volunteering in this role: 9 months
Average time commitment: 1 day per week