LIBRARIES are often perceived as quiet places where not a lot goes on.

In the first of a series of Thurrock NubNews features editor Neil Speight visited one of the borough's library and community hubs and found that impression is far from the truth.

And at the heart of the service provided at Chadwell St Mary's hub are a group of volunteers that prove the true spirit of service to a community is alive and thriving.

And the bonus for the volunteers is that they have a great time themselves!

Chadwell's hub is open five days a week and has become a real focal point in the community, acting a place to go with enquiries about social housing and benefits, to meet up with other residents to enjoy leisure activities and even, to borrow a book….

A leaflet promoting the activities at the community hub, or Chadwell St Mary Centre as it is formally known, quotes Albert Einstein as saying 'Only a life lived for others is worth living'.

That's a motto shared by a team of around 12 volunteers who assist the centre's full time staff with a range of supporting roles.

One of the longstanding volunteers is 68-year-old Chadwell resident and retired Thurrock Council staff member Mick Hill. He has been at the hub for more than four years now and says the role gives him a purpose in life.

"All the volunteers enjoy it", he says. "We really do help a lot of people here with a wide range of things. Sometimes it might just be a case of looking after their children while they talk to an officer from the council, but by doing that we really are helping them.

"I do two days a week but often I'm here more than that because we do so many things, for example we hold fundraising events in the garden and only last week we built and manned a Christmas grotto for local children.

"And what is really special is that we all enjoy it. We really do have a laugh and a good time being here. It's very special."

Another volunteer is 67-year-old Ray Brandon, also from Chadwell St Mary, who has been at the hub for a year. In the video interview with Neil Speight he explains some of the things that the volunteers do and he adds that being a volunteer really gives him a purpose.

"I was a carer for my wife Barbara for 20 years before she passed away and now I feel I can continue to contribute by caring for other people.

"We all need a little bit of help at times, even if it's just a word of comfort. We all do need that place where we can go and sometimes it's just making contact and having a chat that is needed."

The Chadwell St Mary Centre plays host to a number of community groups as well. For example on Thursday there's a group that pop in to 'knit and natter', on Fridays other visitors can 'Colour me Calm' – described as a great way to de-stress and relax – and on Mondays there is an afternoon craft club from 2 to 4pm.

And even books come into play on Tuesdays when the library's reading group meet up from 10am to 1pm. In the summer, there are lots of activities in the centre's garden, which is also maintained by volunteers.

Speaking of books – there are quiet places in the hub where you can simply go and read or research on your own.

If you would like to help out at the hub then volunteers are being welcomed, particularly if you have skills in customer service, information technology, teaching and learning support, arts and crafts skills and gardening knowledge.

To find out more call 01375 413602 or email [email protected].