A volunteer archivist from Harpenden is encouraging other people to help out in the community as part of National Volunteer Week.

Herts Advertiser: Alison Evans.Alison Evans. (Image: Archant)

The National Week of Volunteering is from Thursday, June 1 to Wednesday, June 7, and Herts county council is celebrating the contributions of people who volunteer already and urging other people to get involved.

Rosaria Borgeat, from Harpenden, has been volunteering for Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies for the past eight months, and has been working on a project exploring the county’s stories and folklore.

She said: “I recently retired from my job as a librarian in a St Albans school. After a few months at home I realised I wanted to do something to give back to the local community and fulfil the thirst for knowledge that I’ve always had, but to also utilise my specific skillset.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a volunteer and feel I have been welcomed into the archives team. I would advise anyone with a few spare hours a week to see what opportunities are available to them across the county. It’s so rewarding and I’m pleased to be keeping my brain active, forming new friendships and developing my knowledge in a completely new area.”

Alison Evans, from St Albans, volunteers for the county council’s Countryside Management Service. She said: “I like the fact that volunteering is so flexible, you can do as much or as little as you want. I have been to places in Hertfordshire I might not otherwise have visited, which has enabled me to enjoy the variety of beautiful landscapes that are here.”

To find out more about volunteering opportunities in Hertfordshire go to https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/volunteering/volunteering.aspx