From the volunteers

"Good team building exercise allowing people to relax and get to know others better outside office environment, and working towards the same goal." – DCMS, Broke Allotment

"We all had a fantastic time and have talked about it non-stop!!  The senior citizens gave us so much to think about and how worthwhile it was for us to show respect and make a special day for them.  We most certainly would like to do this again…" - HO IND

"Very positive and worthwhile away day because we were actually helping a local community project rather than sitting in some office or hotel being given presentations and then carrying out team games." - HMT

"My only reservation is what can we do next time because this experience was so positive and I would like to do something similar for future away day/team building events." - DFT

"Was a very enjoyable day, with lots of laughter, hard work, and a shared sense of purpose!" - Go East, @ Welney Scrub

"If anything our organisation should encourage this on two levels – working together as a business and working together with the community. We should be promoting this more effectively and thinking of how this also helps us in our daily working routines." - Cabinet Office @ Old Barn

"It demonstrated that as part of a team everyone plays an important role – it is more transparent in this type of event than it is in the work place. It helps to develop working relationships with those in the office that you do not necessarily deal with on a day to day basis." - Dept. for Transport, Meanwhile Gardens

"Removal from the normal office environment tends to bridge gaps between people who wouldn’t usually talk to one another in their daily working lives. It is a great leveller, allows people to be themselves and provides an opportunity to use skills they might not know they possess." - Dept. for Transport, Meanwhile Gardens

"Can we do it again next year (or maybe sooner)?" - Home Office

"It was fun to do, and I would recommend volunteering to others as a way to get to know your colleagues better." ­– Cab Off, Old Barn Centre

"Would be nice to do this again, building on what we’ve already achieved and seeing the fruits of our labours (e.g. the pond)." - ODPM, Creekside Deptford

"It was one of the enjoyable days in my life and I strongly feel that others within the Home Office should take part in similar team challenge and give something back to the community." – HO IND Line @ Home Scheme

"Excellent day – thoroughly recommended." – FCO Calthorpe

"Registration was swift and simple. We were provided with two interesting options. The site visit was well-planned and helpful. The risk assessment was comprehensive." ­– Cab Off, Old Barn Centre

"I thought going to the risk assessment visit helped immensely in organising the tasks so on the day we had a good idea of the jobs that needed doing." – CO, Martineau Nursery

"Very well organised. Simple and clear registration procedure and good to make site visit prior to team task. CSV always quick to respond to any questions I’ve had and quick to offer solutions." – DCMS, Broke Allotment

"Some members of the team were apprehensive about what they would be asked to do, but were pleasantly surprised." – Fiona  James, HM treasury Ann Owens Centre

From the venues

"Thank you and all your team for all the hard work you put in today and transforming the garden from a site of near dereliction to a show piece garden." - William at the Peckham Settlement

"The day was made perfect and pleasurable with the help and support of the volunteers (Michelle, Vicki, Nikki, Peter, Richard, Nasril and others). They arrived early to put the decorations up and even brought us some of their own decoration which beautified the centre more.

The volunteers were very helpful and friendly; they completed all tasks given to them in no time and were willing to do more. All the service users, staff and management of CDC are very grateful for the volunteer’s' effort and contribution which made our summer BBQ a success." – Abi Arogundade, Calabash Day

"Thank you so much for organising the volunteers who came to help in our garden.  They did an amazing job. Having a group spend the day with us makes such an impact in a way in which we would never manage on our own. The garden is such an integral part of our school and acts as an out door class room for the children. It makes a vital contribution  to our children's learning." - north London Nursery

"The team were absolutely magnificent – absolute bliss!" – Milton Dillon on HMT team at Young Gifted & Broke Allotments

"They were fantastic to work with. Rebecca was so well organised, the rooms look fantastic, it's changed the atmosphere. They have done a perfect job and we all enjoyed the buzz of them in the building. Lovely team. Thank you." - Positively Women

"Excellent choice – cannot be faulted!!" – HO Brighton

"It was a very special day with both venue and volunteers benefiting enormously. Everybody worked so hard that the platform was built and site cleared in a day. A great viewpoint was also opened. Our grateful thanks go to all concerned. A particular thank you Rachel for giving us the opportunity to offer the project and for your very professional risk assessment." - Gatton Park