AN open day seeking to drum up support for 400 voluntary groups in Barking and Dagenham was hailed as one of the most successful ever. Wellgate Community Farm, photographers and reflexologists all turned out in force for the third Barking and Dagenham vol

AN open day seeking to drum up support for 400 voluntary groups in Barking and Dagenham was hailed as one of the most successful ever.

Wellgate Community Farm, photographers and reflexologists all turned out in force for the third Barking and Dagenham voluntary sector open day on Thursday.

A total of 74 organisations tried to enroll new volunteers, exchanged views and raised awareness about their activities during the annual "profile raising" event at Vicarage Field shopping centre, Ripple Road, Barking.

Rev Roger Gayler, a member of Wellgate Farm in Collier Road Road, Collier Row, said: "It was good to be where people are. All the voluntary groups talked to the public and there was a great deal of networking going on."

Lisa Flannery, 40, of Barking and Dagenham Council for Voluntary Service, added: "According to the evaluation form, the people thought it was one of the best they had attended."

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