LORD Lieutenant Dame Janet Trotter was the guest speaker at Stroud Volunteer Centre’s AGM on Thursday, October 16.

Dame Janet was thanked by VCA chairman Brian Whalley and presented with flowers.

The meeting heard about the organisation’s achievements over the last year.

During this time, nearly 600 volunteers have been recruited to a variety of organisations supporting disability, youth, heritage and the environment.

A spokesman added: “The Voluntary Community Action transport section runs a Ring & Ride bus service, carrying older people, the disabled and those geographically isolated passengers to appointments all over the district, not covered by other providers.

“Another service provided is from the 60 volunteer car drivers who help with individual journeys to doctors, dentists and opticians or just to the shops.

“Without any of these services, many people would be completely dependent on their family or friends to get out of their homes.”

A recent addition is the Supported Volunteering Service which has assisted more than 50 people. The lunch and AGM was held at the Old Town Hall.