Celebrating Community Spirit in Ampthill: A Night of Volunteering and Togetherness

On Thursday 9 October 2024, the Ampthill Town Civic Reception to Celebrate Volunteering took place at the Ampthill Town Cricket Club Pavilion. From 7:00pm, the venue filled with warmth and pride as local residents, volunteers, and mayors from nearby towns came together to honour the people who make a difference in their communities.

The evening was a true celebration of community spirit. Hosted by Ampthill Town Council, the event featured inspiring speeches from several distinguished guests, including Ampthill Town Mayor Cllr. Stephen Addy, Deputy Lieutenant Dr Robert Oakley OBE, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Camilla King, and Deputy Mayor Gary Summerfield. Each speaker praised the incredible work being done by volunteers across Ampthill, acknowledging their dedication, compassion, and impact on local life.

Luke Newman, founder of ‘For Men To Talk’ gave a heartfelt presentation. This peer support group offers a safe and welcoming space for men to speak openly about their mental health, covering topics such as anxiety, depression, relationships, and grief. With no formal rules or registration required, the sessions allow men to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable with.

‘For Men To Talk’ runs a range of meetings — physical, virtual, walking, and even fishing sessions — creating a relaxed and supportive environment for men to connect and find understanding. In Ampthill, the group hosts two meetings a month at the Wingfield Social Club, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.

Luke Newman spoke passionately about his work and the importance of breaking down barriers around men’s mental health. He said, “I was incredibly proud to present ‘For Men To Talk’ at this wonderful event. To stand in front of so many members of the Ampthill community and local leaders, sharing our message of support and hope, was truly special.”

His words resonated deeply with attendees, reminding everyone of the value of open conversation and emotional support.

The evening also included inspiring presentations from several other local organisations:

• Mark Smith from Community Voluntary Service (CVS) spoke about how CVS supports local groups and enables communities to thrive.
• Ampthill vs Cancer encouraged everyone to join their annual 5K event, raising vital funds for Willen Hospice, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, and Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends.
• Ampthill Cultural Events shared their mission to bring people together through arts and culture.
• Ampthill Music highlighted their work to revive the local music scene and strengthen community spirit through performance and collaboration.

Alongside the speeches and presentations, guests enjoyed a fun evening filled with raffles, games, and community camaraderie. Together, they raised an impressive £1,200, showcasing just how generous and united Ampthill’s residents are.

The Civic Reception was more than just an event — it was a reminder of what makes Ampthill such a special place to live. It celebrated kindness, connection, and the power of people coming together to make a difference.