Dr Harsha Jani reports on local Hindu volunteers going to Finchley Victoria Bowling and Croquet Club as part of The Big Help Out

Volunteers from the Finchley branch of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK help to mend the green at Finchley Victoria Bowling and Croquet Club — Volunteers at Finchley Victoria Bowling and Croquet Club as part of The Big Help Out – (Credit – HSS UK)

A Finchley bowling club welcomed volunteers from a local Hindu organisation on Monday as part of a volunteering day to celebrate the King’s coronation.

The 104-year-old Finchley Victoria Bowling and Croquet Club welcomed volunteers from the Finchley branch of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK (HSS UK) for the national Big Help Out initiative.

Thankfully, the rain held off as HSS UK volunteers set about helping to clean the benches, weed the gardens, clear the ditches and prepare the greens for the bowls and croquet games for the season.

There was positive energy and enthusiasm from the young volunteers who diligently completed all the tasks so that- over a period of two hours, the grounds of the club were transformed.

There was genuine appreciation from members of the club. One member, Valerie commented: “Your amazing hardworking volunteers have made a great difference.”

Vegetarian samosas and spring rolls and snacks were most welcome after the hectic activity.

Club President Gary Bargoff said “I take my hat off for all the wonderful work HSS volunteers do without any expectations – they give their utmost in terms of community spirit.”

Group photo of Finchley HSS volunteers and Finchley Victoria Bowling and Croquet club members o one of the club's greens — Volunteers and club members came together on Monday 8th May – (Credit – HSS)

HSS UK has 105 chapters up and down the country. Our volunteers take pride in offering selfless service (SEWA) to communities. The Big Help Out was a fantastic opportunity for HSS to demonstrate that as Hindus, the value of SEWA is ingrained in our character and indeed our daily life and along with Sanskar (building good character) and Sangathan (Collective community spirit) forms the cornerstone of our Hindu values.

The Big Help Out was one of the official projects of the Coronation Weekend promoting, championing and showcasing volunteering.

In the UK, millions of people volunteer every day. The Big Help Out is trying to effect a step change in volunteering across the country by making it easy for volunteers to recognise opportunities and get involved, inspiring a new generation of volunteers.

Given the importance of faith communities as sources of volunteering and charitable work in the UK and HM The King’s longstanding commitment to promoting interfaith collaboration, faith organisations played a significant role in the Big Help Out.

The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh activity took place alongside 55000 Big Help Out volunteering activities nationwide.

It was a privilege to participate in the Big Help Out and contribute positively to a local club which has been a place of calm and happiness for so many in Finchley.

Dr Harsha Jani – Outreach at Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK

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