Volunteer Profile - Ashley Robinson

2008 Volunteer of the Year, Ashley Robinson, organiser of the very successful Help for Heroes event at CSSC's Chiswick sports ground, tells you why he is proud to be a CSSC Volunteer.

What is your proudest moment/memory of being a CSSC Volunteer?

On Sunday 22 March 2009, I led the "CSSC Barbarians Rugby Team" out of the CSSC Chiswick changing rooms to face the British Territorial Army "Honorary Artillery Company" in the start of a rugby festival I'd organised. This was in aid of Help for Heroes, which raised over £5000! H4H is not about politics. With many areas of the TA/Reserves Rugby becoming defunct through regiment's players being mobilized, a ticket-only amateur rugby festival took place on Mothering Sunday - 22nd March 2009 from 12 noon - 5pm at the Civil Service Sports Council Club, Chiswick Sports Ground, West London. The customary lack of familiarity (names & laws!), and the fierce Chiswick heat saw the Barbarians go head-to-head with the Police & Army Reserves in this unique event.

Another proud moment for me was that, after suffering a large blood clot and stroke in April 2008 but recovering to the extent I was able to take a team of CSSC members out to St Lucia in October 2008 to play touch rugby versus the locals, was amazing...but not as fantastic as lifting the overall winner's cup on the last day of activities on behalf of CSSC London!

How did you get involved in volunteering for CSSC?

A chance meeting between me and CSSC London staff, James & Gemma, who were on a UK Border Agency leaflet recruitment drop. I told them about my interest in rugby and, on the 3 April 2006, an action plan was put into motion by me, following the idea of creating a Civil Service Rugby Club, run by civil service members for the benefit of civil service members. The Barbarians Rugby Club was born out of a sitting room at my parents' house. The team went on to play its first ever game of rugby in Carshalton, Surrey with full support from CSSC Head Office and London CSSC. The inaugural match took place against Mitcham Rugby Club on Saturday 8 April 2006 and, by December that year, we had initial funding of and our first playing kit, sponsored by the CSSC.

What do you do as a CSSC Volunteer?

I'm the founding member of the CSSC Barbarian Rugby Club Rugby and current captain of the Men's team while serving on the committee, which I set up the foundation for. I strived to provide a club that is run by its members for its members, and can confirm that we really are a friendly community rugby club with no airs and graces.

I organised the inaugural inter-London CSSC mixed touch rugby St Lucia qualifier in July 2007, plus subsequent events in 2008 and 2009. 2007 was the first event of its kind to be run in London (the first of many). I encouraged the participation of almost seventy CSSC members and the tournament which was deemed a huge success by all the players. I work with the Barbarians players and committee to raise money for charity through events, games and fundraisers. I've just started organising trips for CSSC members in London, having returned from Amsterdam in May 2009 and Liverpool in August 2009.

What are the best bits about volunteering for CSSC (and the worst bits)?

Volunteering for CSSC added a great deal to my life and the lives of those CSSC members for whom I've volunteered. It offers me the chance to become involved in rugby projects within CSSC (an organisation I really care about) as well as an opportunity to meet new and like-minded people. It also gives me the chance to try out something different to my 'everyday' job. There's no better place to meet like-minded individuals than through volunteering for CSSC and Barbarians. Working together to bring about a positive change is a great way to bond with others and become part of a civil service community that can stay in touch long after your official work is done. I have met people from a diverse range of backgrounds - people I may never have come across in my official, daily life. I was initially surprised at how much fun it can be to help others. Not every volunteer experience for CSSC has been the same, but by finding an opportunity that matches my interests, I have a good chance of having fun while giving time! The only negative side is the battle to balance my private, personal, business/work and CSSC life. Time management and multi-tasking skills are essential.

What has kept you involved as a volunteer with CSSC?

The Barbarians have had a broad mix of experience in the teams they had put out since its creation - some people turned out regularly for a club side, while some people hadn't played before - but we've always found a place for anyone who wants to play - and consider it one of the integral parts of the club. Performances on the field of play have been encouraging, even if this hasn't always been reflected in the score lines. Seeing people improve over a period of time, and getting as much out of playing as they put into training makes it all worth while! Watching rugby interest grow and develop across CSSC in London has been amazing and creating the platform for members to utilise their skills keeps me involved and keeps me motivated!

What would you say to other people who might want to volunteer with CSSC?

Just do it. Send an e-mail or pick up the phone and contact your local CSSC reps. Not later. Not tomorrow. NOW! It will be one of the best decisions you've ever made!

Would you like to become a volunteer for CSSC? Take Ashley's advice and click here to apply today!