Volunteer Story: Keith Smith, WATIF

An Interview with Keith Smith

Volunteering with WATIF, Woolfords, Auchengray and Tarbrax Improvement Foundation

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I feel so privileged to be able to take part and give something back"

Tell us a bit about you?

I'm 64, retired and have lived in Woolfords since 2017. I've been married to my wife Sharon for 44 happy years, we have 4 kids and 8 grand kids. I'm passionate about vehicles and woodwork and I love living here, Sharon and I feel so at home.

When and why did you start volunteering with WAT IF?

I started volunteering with WAT IF in May '21, when I helped to fit the woodwork, shelves and signage for our community shop. I was so impressed with the plans that WAT IF had for the area and could see how we could all benefit from them, so I wanted to help out! My mind is still blown away by everything that's happening here and how much has been achieved. I don't know of anywhere else in the whole of the UK doing what we're doing here and I really just want to be a part it all. I like to make other people happy and there's lots to be happy about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you do as a volunteer?

I get involved in all sorts, in addition to the woodwork for the shop I've also made waymarkers for our paths. I've been the main volunteer driver for the community vehicle, I pick up and deliver for the shop and take people on trips and to hospital and doctors’ appointments. I also help with vehicle maintenance and helped draft the drivers’ policies and procedures. I've also planted bulbs in the area and recently supported the WAT IF cycle event at Tarbrax Village Hall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you look forward to in the future?

Loanhead Farm!!! Everything about it, it will benefit everyone in the area, the camping, the shop, the cafe, the growing space, the workshop... all of it! And each project benefits the others, the workshop making goods, the shop selling goods, the gardens growing for the cafe, a place to get together, the potential is mind-boggling. This will all help to grow our area in the right direction. I feel privileged to be here and to be surrounded with such a breadth of talent.

***

WATIF, Woolfords, Auchengray and Tarbrax Improvement Foundation is a passionate and dedicated locally-based organisation focused on improving the quality of life for residents in the Woolfords, Auchengray and Tarbrax area. They deliver community development projects that tackle the issues of greatest concern to our community such as poor broadband, lack of services and support for young and older people. Their 5 year Community Action Plan gives an overview of our current aims and objectives. They work with groups and individuals in the local community as well as many external agencies. 

Website: https://www.watif.scot/index.html | Email: ​​contact@watif.scot | Phone: 01501 785067

Facebook: www.facebook.com/watifcommunitytrust

Twitter: www.twitter.com/@WATIFCommTrust