Volunteer Focus - Irena Gorbun

Find out more about the Yorkshire Regional Secretary.

I joined the civil service, ooooh, a long time ago & currently work at Southern House Jobcentre in Leeds.

I have been actively involved in "all things CSSC" for over 30 years now (yes, I know I don't look old enough!!) and became Secretary of the Yorkshire Region in 1990.

CSSC has given me the opportunity to take part in events & visit places that I would otherwise never have visited, meet many, many people and make life-long friends.

The highlight of my CSSC/HASSRA life came in 2006 when I was awarded a National Merit award from both organisations.

Even more of a highlight was when I was presented with the CSSC award at Annual Conference, which took place at the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool & got a kiss from the delectable Cabinet Secretary & former CSSC Chairman, Sir Gus O'Donnell.

Sir Gus ("G O D" to me) is also a Manchester United fan (another passion of mine, along with leopard skin & all things Bet Lynch!) so the conversation was lively! I may forgive him one day for treading on my toes during the first dance though!

Whilst the more active events I've done previously are now a distant memory (5-a-side football, netball, volleyball, etc), I will "have a go" at anything I can feasibly do & hence, that's why I'm the current Ladies' Singles Darts champion and a member of the winning Pop Quiz Team for both CSSC & HASSRA in Yorkshire.

I have been the Team Leader for Medals & Ceremonies at the CSSC Games since 2003. The most recent Games event was held at Loughborough University in September 2009. This role involves a lot of hard work in preparation & planning, but the rewards are worth all the effort. The CSSC Games is a wonderful event which everyone should experience, so please get involved, either as a competitor or volunteer!

My message to everyone would be to get involved with CSSC in any way, as it will be a very enjoyable experience for you.

I hope to meet you at an event some time in the near future!