Almost 100 applicants for Coventry Ambassadors scheme

Dozens of people have been applying to be Coventry Ambassadors following a new recruitment drive.

Coventry Ambassadors have been spreading the season’s greetings as part of the Christmas Lights switch on in the city centre and visitors praised the welcome provided by 25 of the volunteers.

The lights switch on is just one of a number of events that the Coventry Ambassadors have been supporting since first making an appearance at London 2012, helping maintain the legacy of the Olympics in Coventry.

A new recruitment drive is under way with around 100 applicants received. The closing date is Friday 13 December.

David Boughey, Volunteer Manager at new social enterprise EnV, who co-ordinates the work of the Coventry Ambassadors, is keen to recruit more volunteers to join the award winning scheme.

He said:

It was fantastic to be involved in this year’s Christmas lights switch on and the response from the public has been amazing.

Even though it is more than a year since London 2012 people recognise the Ambassadors and the feel good factor they help bring to events like the lights switch on and the Godiva Festival.

We are busy recruiting new volunteers for the scheme and there is still time to apply. The final date for the applications is Friday 13 December but we are always keen to hear from people who want to get involved in the project.

He said that a series of selection events were being planned in January and new volunteers would then be taking part in training soon afterwards.

Coventry Ambassadors were first recruited in the Autumn of 2011 - part of the biggest volunteer recruitment the city had witnessed.

More than 300 Coventry Ambassadors turned the city pink during the 2012 Olympics and were acclaimed by visitors to Coventry. The volunteers welcomed thousands of people acting as guides and providing a lasting impression of Coventry.

Following the success of the scheme during London 2012 the Ambassadors have volunteered at the Coventry Half Marathon, the Christmas lights switch on, The Godiva Awakes parade around the Ring Road and national events including a recent Davis Cup tie at the Ricoh Arena.

Councillor Ed Ruane, Cabinet Member for Housing and Heritage, said the Ambassadors represent all that is good about the city.

He said:

They have been involved in a wide range of cultural events and I hope a lot more volunteers come forward.

The scheme is standing the test of time and the Ambassadors are cementing a place in the heart of our event planning. They provide such a friendly positive face for the city and once again feedback from the Christmas lights switch on has been really complimentary.

David Boughey said that becoming a volunteer was an opportunity to meet new people, represent the values of the city and build on your CV. New Coventry Ambassadors will also receive free training and uniform.

The programme is funded by Coventry City Council and managed by Coventry University.