What are CatStrand Ambassadors?

CatStrand Ambassadors are active, enthusiastic individuals who champion us in their local area or within specific audience groups (such as young people). This role is all about spreading the word: ensuring that people know about CatStrand and its events, encouraging people to attend and providing feedback to us. What is the point in having a fantastic venue and an exciting programme of events unless people know about them and unless we are providing what people want?! Ambassadors therefore provide a crucial but enjoyable voluntary role in linking communities and groups with CatStrand. Similar schemes have proven highly successful for many other venues across the UK, particularly in rural areas where the most effective promotion is always through personal recommendation via word of mouth. Since Ambassadors come from and know the local community, or are representative of a particular audience group, making the initial contact is easier and they have a much better understanding of the community / group’s interests, needs and concerns.

What is involved?

The main role of Ambassadors is spreading the word on a day to day basis and providing an accessible local point of contact for information and feedback. Other activities are widely varied – one of its attractions – but include the distribution of the programme and newsletter around the local community (perhaps in the local shop or pub); putting up posters; and encouraging people to join the mailing list. The extent of the role depends on the individual. Some Ambassadors also like to arrange trips for the local community / group to come and visit CatStrand. Or else the more confident sometimes enjoy talking to local schools or clubs. Others prefer to focus on simply distributing information and working less formally talking to friends and colleagues. Importantly, whichever approach is taken, Ambassadors are provided with full backup and support from CatStrand staff. The precise amount of work involved in being an Ambassador varies depending on the nature of the community / group and the time which Ambassadors have available, but generally amounts to several hours spread out over a few days in the month.

Why become an Ambassador?

The success of CatStrand so far has only been possible thanks to the support and involvement of volunteers, and its future success will also rely on this. The voluntary role which Ambassadors fulfil is not only crucially important, but is also varied, social and enjoyable. Ambassadors keep right up to date with CatStrand news and activities, are at the forefront of contributing ideas to its future, receive a range of benefits and promotions such as discounts off dining at local hotels, and have opportunities to meet and share stories with other Ambassadors at an annual social event. Yet in addition to these direct benefits, they know that their support has helped to ensure the continued success and growth of CatStrand. And hopefully they have had fun in the process!

For more information or to volunteer to become an Ambassador please call Lucy Burnett on 01644 420 374 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it