A south west firm of chartered accountants has become one of the first companies in Cornwall to sign up for a national community event that aims to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.
Staff at Bishop Fleming in Truro have signed up to donate one hour of their time to help with community projects as part of the Jubilee Hour.
One of the co-founders of Jubilee Hour initiative, Truro businessman, Jonathan Haward, says the response in the first few days of the online book going live has been amazing with over one million hours of volunteering time across the country already pledged.
Haward, whose company runs Friends and Relations created the Jubilee Hour Book, said: “The premise is very simple. We want people to donate 60 minutes of their time to recognise the Queen’s 60 years on the throne.
“It can be anything from a beach litter pick to popping in to the visit an elderly neighbour.
“In terms of a volunteering this is the biggest single movement in this country since World War 2. From the Air Cadets to Barclays Bank, from Muslim Aid to IBM, we have bankers, Girl Guides, policeman, cadets, school children and politicians demonstrating their respect for Her Majesty.
“It’s going to be amazing to see the difference and impact it makes.”
Bishop Fleming partner, Ian Fraser, who is based at the company’s Truro office, added: “We are pleased to have become the first company in Cornwall to sign up for the Jubilee Hour.
“We think it’s a great initiative to encourage our personnel to become more involved in the community.”
Donators are encouraged to visit the Jubilee Hour website, pledge their hour and describe what they plan do to. Photos and videos about what they are doing can also be added, while people can sign up either as individuals, groups or organisations.
The book will remain open for pledges to be made until the end of November when it will be presented to the Queen.
The project went live on Monday, May 28, with a launch in Hello! magazine with support from well known celebrities including Joan Collins, Kristina Rihanoff, Nick Knowles, James Pryce, Sharron Davies, Katy Hill and Joe Calzaghe
In Cornwall the project is being supported by Truro-based marketing agency, MPAD, which is donating time to promote the project and encourage people to sign up.
