The extra bank holiday Monday has been declared by King Charles III and Camilla The Queen Consort as an opportunity for people to devote some time making a difference in your community and to give volunteering a try with the Big Help Out campaign.
Kent County Council is working with Kent Volunteers to create a lasting legacy of volunteering commitments beginning with the Coronation celebration weekend.
The Kent Volunteer Partnership is an initiative of the Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, The Lady Colgrain, run by Ashford Volunteer Centre and grant funded by Kent County Council. The website is designed to make it easy for organisations to find volunteers, people to find opportunities and as a source of information and resources to create good practice across the county.
“The plans for the weekend very much reflect the King’s commitment to strengthening local communities, especially through voluntary activity.”
The Lady Colgrain, who will be representing Kent at the Coronation tomorrow, said: “I am immensely proud and honoured to have been given the opportunity to attend this historic occasion and represent our county. I am sure you will all join me in conveying our heartfelt congratulations to their Majesties.
“Whilst the occasion is a solemn religious service rooted in long-standing traditions and pageantry, it will also be an opportunity for reflection on The King’s role today and how the monarchy will further develop in the future while continuing to provide the source of stability and continuity to which we have all become accustomed.
“The plans for the weekend very much reflect the King’s commitment to strengthening local communities, especially through voluntary activity and I encourage everybody to join in The Big Help Out on Monday and beyond. I should like to wish everyone in Kent, a very happy and joyous Coronation weekend and hope that all the planned celebrations go well and are enjoyed by all involved.”
“This is a fantastic opportunity to boost that sense of unity and togetherness which represents our county at its best.”
Leader of Kent County Council Roger Gough said: “The Coronation of King Charles is an historic and once in a lifetime event and, on behalf of Kent County Council, I send my sincerest congratulations to The King and The Queen Consort on this momentous occasion.
“Communities across Kent will be coming together to join the national celebrations at events in the county and this is a fantastic opportunity to boost that sense of unity and togetherness which represents our county at its best.
“I would like to encourage as many people as possible to join in with the Big Help Out on Monday 8 May. Volunteers in Kent already make such a difference to so many peoples’ lives, but becoming involved can also help you to make friends, learn new skills and improve your way of life. This Coronation weekend is an ideal opportunity to get involved and start to make a difference, wherever you live in the county.”
- Roger Gough will be taking part in the Big Help Out litter pick at Knole Park in Sevenoaks on Monday.
The Coronation Emblem
Congratulations to Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Josh Siggers, 18, from Ashford Tobruk Detachment, Kent Army Cadet Force, who has been selected to march carrying the banner of the Army Cadets during the Coronation.
He was chosen from 37,000 cadets across the UK after winning the Claire Shore Trophy at the Champion Cadet Competition at Easter and has been taking part in overnight rehearsals in the run up to the big day.
He said he is deeply honoured to be part of such a momentous occasion and since being chosen has spent many hours polishing shoes and belt buckles! As banner bearer, he will lead the Royal British Legion across Westminster Bridge.
And many congratulations too to the 18 recipients from our aera who have received one of the Coronation Champion Awards. They celebrate extraordinary volunteers across the country who have been contributing to their communities.
- To find out more about the Coronation, visit https://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/your-local-community/kings-coronation
- To find out more about volunteering opportunities, visit: Volunteering opportunities for the Coronation weekend - Kent County Council
- Keep an eye on social media for the hashtags #TheBigHelpOut #KentVolunteers and #KentCoronation to see where you could try something new.
- Please add the #KentCoronation hashtag to photos you share of your events online – be it a street party, a Big Lunch, homemade bunting displays or a go at baking your take on the Coronation quiche at home - so we can do a colourful round-up of right royal activities across our county this weekend.
- Libraries across the county are marking the Coronation with a series of events and entertainment. Visit here for the full list: https://news.kent.gov.uk/articles/coronation-events-at-kcc-libraries
- Don’t forget, simply doing a kind and thoughtful deed for a friend or neighbour this weekend won’t just make them feel good, it will make you feel good too. There is research to prove it.
