Eastcott Community Organisation is a vibrant group that puts residents at its heart.

Based in Swindon, at Savernake Street Social Hall, the group is run by eight trustees and two part-time members as well as around 30 volunteers, mostly local residents.Vice chair Anna Smart said: “Volunteers do everything from opening and closing the centre, to delivering newsletters to helping out at our events. Over the years we have seen a large increase in people attending our events and our largest annual events regularly attract several hundred people.”

The group was founded in 2013 with the aim of improving opportunities of people living in Eastcott and the surrounding area. And volunteers offer various events to please everyone. Anna said: “Everything we do is different, and we offer different things to different people. The hall is used by local groups for activities including yoga, art groups, and toddler groups and for children’s and family parties. We also put on our own activities and events such as Swindon Repair Café, Eastcott Community Free Shop and Swindon Eco Fest

“For example, if people come long to the Eco Fest this weekend, they will have a fantastic opportunity to get to know their neighbours, and to join in with activities and listen to talks to learn about how small changes can make a big difference when it comes to environmental issues.

About Eco Fest, Caroline Davies-Khan, chairman of the community group added: “It’s a great way for residents to get-together and enjoy a free day of activity around themes that we know are of interest. Thanks to last year’s visitor feedback, we have more food stalls than before, and we’ll be joined by streets of India, V-cuisine and Old Town Brewery.”

Most recently, the group organised the first Window Wanderland in Swindon, encouraging hundreds of householders to make original displays and turn the streets into outdoor art galleries. As a registered charity, the group holds monthly meetings to plan and focus on strategic operations, with more meetings to plan events.

To find out about joining as a volunteer committee member or volunteer email Eastcottcommunity@yahoo.co.uk