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FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARDS IT'S VOTING TIME!
The PUBLIC VOTE is now OPEN for Volunteer of the Year 2025 - The People's Champion!
VOTING CLOSES: MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST 2025
We had so many fantastic nominations, with every one a worthy winner BUT after much deliberation our judging panel shortlisted the following local volunteers:
Find out why these amazing volunteers were nominated below:
CAROL AUSTIN
Sedbury Space
Carol leads one of the Forest's busiest community groups at Sedbury Space, welcoming 30+ members weekly with exceptional care and dedication.
LAURA DOVEY
Taurus Crafts
For an incredible twenty years, Laura has been the welcoming face of Taurus Crafts in Lydney, greeting every customer with genuine warmth and enthusiasm
ANNIE GEORGE
Forest Exchange
Annie is the organisational powerhouse behind Forest Exchange (formerly Lydney Exchange), working tirelessly to help as many people as possible through this vital community resource..
Her personal touch makes all the difference – she ensures every member receives a birthday card and personally checks on anyone who's been absent for two weeks. Carol's generous spirit extends beyond her volunteer duties as she steps in to cover extra sessions, ensures no one feels excluded, and has a remarkable gift for helping shy members feel included without them even realising it. Her warm, energetic presence and unwavering commitment to helping others makes her an exceptional volunteer who truly goes above and beyond.
Working across both the gift shop and Zero Waste shop, Laura's reliability and attention to detail shine through in everything she does – from pricing and checking invoices to ensuring packing materials are properly recycled. Her outstanding customer service skills and diligent approach make her a joy to work with, while her caring, helpful nature brings smiles to everyone she meets. Laura's two decades of unwavering commitment exemplifies the very best in community volunteering.
Her incredible work ethic is evident whether she's moving heavy boxes, washing donated clothes, implementing efficient labelling systems, or lifting spirits with her amazing sense of humour. Over the past two and a half years, Annie has played a crucial role in the Exchange's remarkable growth from strength to strength. Though she's moving away to be closer to family, her unique approach to helping individuals and her invaluable contributions have left a lasting impact on the Forest community.
IAN GOWER
Mitcheldean Youth Club, CANDI, Scarr Bandstand
Ian's volunteer work spans multiple organisations, making him a true Forest community champion through his support at CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Hub, Scarr Bandstand, and the Forest of Dean History Society.
GLYNIS HALLING
The Victoria Centre, Lydney Dial-a-Ride, Dr Charley's Lunch Club
For over 25 years, Glynis has been the driving force behind vital community services, serving as chief organiser and fundraiser for the Victoria Centre and previously Lydney Dial-a-Ride.
JULIE HOLDER
Packed with Love
Julie is the inspirational driving force behind Packed with Love, a remarkable not-for-profit initiative that packs 180 backpacks for children in emergency care.
Drawing on his engineering background with Rolls Royce, Ian creates engaging STEM workshops and provides maths tutoring that makes learning both fun and educational for young people. His understanding, kind, and caring approach toward young people, combined with his wealth of knowledge, makes him an exceptional mentor. Ian's dedication to his community is evident in how nothing is ever too much trouble, and his willingness to go out of his way to support the young people and various groups he serves.
Her exceptional admin skills, creative vision, and ongoing dedication have been essential to these organisations' success. Glynis also volunteered for 13 years at Dr Charley's lunch club in Coleford, serving as Treasurer and later taking leadership after founder Dora Matthews passed away. Her commitment to community service has touched countless lives across the Forest, providing the "essential oil for the wheels" of much-valued services that bring people together and support those in need.
Her tireless dedication encompasses every aspect of the operation – organising jumble sales and book sales, seeking donations, storing items in her own home, purchasing necessary supplies, coordinating the packing process, and ensuring distribution reaches those who need it most. Julie's work directly impacts vulnerable children during some of their most difficult moments, providing them with essential items and a tangible reminder that their community cares. Her selfless commitment transforms donations into hope for children facing uncertain times.