The Presidents Awards, given out at the RSPB's prestigious AGM held this year on 10th October, are awarded to our most valued volunteers in recognition of their time given and dedication to the work of the RSPB. Whilst we value all our volunteers equally, these individuals have been selected by their respective Line Managers for special praise in light of their continued and tireless work for the RSPB and their local communities. Here are a few words in praise of this years winners:
HQ Winner - Pip Goodwin
Pip combines a passion for nature, with knowledge and experience of environmental law. Often working with RSPB and BirdLife colleagues, Pip has led on important policy research into how well the Directives have been implemented, and how their implementation should be improved. Pip’s great work in this technically complex area demonstrates the level of professional and technical expertise that volunteers can bring to the RSPB’s work in a far from conventional volunteering role.
David Baynes - SHQ Winner
David Baynes has volunteered at Loch Leven since February 2010 and is a true inspiration to the whole Tayside team. Initially quite quiet and keen to learn about the reserve, David has since become a key member of the volunteer team. No challenge is too big, too small or too unusual and David’s enthusiasm for the reserve is boundless, even after a long day volunteering; he often rounds off the afternoon by heading down to the hides to enjoy the wetland.
Brian Foster - SWRO
Brian is an exceptional member of the Aylesbeare reserve team. Brian runs the reserve’s workshop repairing and servicing everything from tools to tractors. He can turn his hand to anything and is the mainstay of the Wednesday workparties, always cheerful and willing in any weather. He takes the new residential volunteers under his wing and supports and guides them whilst also making sure that the workaholic warden doesn’t drive the other volunteers too hard!
Allan Dawson - NRO Winner
Allan says he first volunteered at Bempton Cliffs reserve to say ‘thank you’ for all the years of enjoyment he’d had as a member of the RSPB’s East Yorkshire local group. He loves being outdoors on the cliff tops and is most at home on his favourite viewpoint, Jubilee, enthralling visitors with thrilling tales of climmers or fascinating puffin facts. He may have started volunteering to say thank you, but after nine years of fantastic service, it’s our turn to thank him!
John Oliver - SERO Winner
‘I honestly don’t know what we’d do without him’ has been said of John! For 15 years John has been an integral part of the RSPB Pulborough Brooks reserve team focusing predominantly (though by no means all) on the co-ordination, recruitment and support of reserve volunteers. He’s also the reserve’s energy efficiency champion and building maintenance supervisor, but never one to rest on his laurels, John has also volunteered with the Brighton & District Local group, booking speakers for their indoor talks evenings.
Brian Nobbs - SERO Winner
Brian has certainly packed a whole lot into the 37 years he’s been volunteering for the RSPB - from his involvement with the Guildford local group between 1978 to 1991 where he organised bird watching weekends for the group and liaised with the local press, to his work, following a move, with the Sevenoaks local group as newsletter and website editor and organiser of the group photographic competition. Brian’s dedication to giving talks to local community groups across the South East region has seen him give 384 talks and raise upwards of £10,000!
Many congratulations to our winners and if you would are interested in volunteering with the RSPB then please follow this link http://www.rspb.org.uk/joinandhelp/volunteering/ to find a variety of roles and locations where you can join our team!