Gravesham: Staff hold day of volunteering to mark council's birthday

Council leader John Burden said the council is one of the largest employers in the borough

A Kent council is encouraging its staff to carry out a day of volunteering in 2024 to mark its golden anniversary.

Gravesham Borough Council (GBC) said it was looking for local charities and good causes to support as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.

GBC was formed in 1974 by merging three existing authorities.

The authority said the volunteering project was "for the good of the local community".

Gravesend Borough Council, Northfleet Urban District Council and parts of Strood Rural Council merged to form GBC.

The area had previously been part of the Borough of Gravesend for more than 400 years.

Gravesham Borough Council said it wanted to use the anniversary to encourage volunteering for the benefit of the local community

Council leader John Burden said: "We are one of the largest employers in the borough with between 500 and 600 employees at any one time. That's a considerable volunteer force ready and willing to support local good causes.

"We also have professionals and skilled trades across a whole variety of disciplines who would be great mentors for local young people looking to pursue their chosen career."

In a statement, the authority acknowledged the significant anniversaries of local organisations that are set to be marked this year, including the 200th anniversary of the Gravesend RNLI and the Gravesend Historical Society which celebrates its 100th anniversary.

The council is asking local groups and charities interested in being supported by GBC's volunteer workforce to complete an online form on its website or email its community involvement team.

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