Meet the Boundless volunteers

Meet just four of the amazing volunteers that assist across Boundless’ interest groups, Member Days, and Social Breaks. Do you have what it takes to get involved?

From hobby and interest groups to weekend breaks, there are dozens of events for Boundless members to enjoy. And none of them would be possible without the amazing volunteers who help to set things up and ensure members just like them have a rewarding time no matter what they’re doing.

We sat down with just four of our incredible volunteers to ask them about their journey to becoming such key volunteers at Boundless, the kinds of things they get up to, and why it’s such a rewarding role to take on.

BoundlessMike Harrison - chair of the Club Council

First volunteering for Boundless’ North West London motor group on and off since he was 18, he has been chair for 35 years, accelerating an interest in motorsport and, more importantly, has led to many lasting friendships and a lifetime of enjoyment.

“I started volunteering as a marshall at rallies run by the CSMA, as it was then known, alongside my identical twin, Doug. We were both motor racing fanatics and were soon taking part in rallies ourselves.

“Doug’s the better driver but can’t read a map to save his life, so I became his navigator. It’s been the perfect division of labour, and over the decades we’ve participated in rallies of many kinds.”

What does your work as a volunteer involve?

“As chair at group level, my role is to ensure that the committee provides a balanced programme of events that will appeal to everyone. We’re still very active in terms of motorsports, but we also organise meals out, museum trips, whatever will be of interest.

“And we’re very inclusive – you don’t need to know anything about cars, just be game for adventure and a bit of fun. We did a music quiz the other night, and the questions were hilarious – I was in fits of laughter. There’s always such a great atmosphere, and a real sense of kinship.”

BoundlessHow did you become Chair of the Club Council?

“A few years ago, my arm was twisted to become a member of the Club Council, an oversight group bridging the gap between the Boundless’ membership and its management. Recently, I was voted chair of that group, too.

“My eldest daughter said, ‘Dad, you’ve got to learn to say no to volunteering.’ But I’ve never regretted it, because I like to put back in what I’ve taken out. I’ve had experiences I would never have had in a million years if it wasn’t for Boundless, so I’m more than happy to give something in return."

Boundless“I’ve brought lots of skills from my career as a partner in an architecture firm to my volunteering roles. I’m a good leader, never shirk responsibility, and am mindful in the way I treat people – I like things done properly, but without being overbearing. We’re all volunteers, and diplomacy is so important. It’s my role to make sure everyone’s voice is heard."

“I’d encourage anyone reading this to volunteer. You get so much out of it in terms of friendship and interesting experiences, and most of all the satisfaction of enabling others to participate in something they enjoy. The events wouldn’t happen without the volunteers, after all.”

BoundlessNikki and Mark Hart volunteer at Member Days

Siblings Nikki and Mark Hart both worked in the civil service, following in the footsteps of their parents in not only joining Boundless but helping to volunteer at Boundless’ interest groups, and now our Member Days events.

How did you first get involved with Boundless’ Interest Groups?

Nikki: “We took over volunteering as marshalls for a Camping and Caravanning Rally when it became too much for my parents. We’d been going to rallies with them for years and wanted to help give others the pleasure we’d enjoyed. We organised everything from liaising with the site to planning activities like coffee mornings and quiz evenings.

“Despite both having busy jobs, we really enjoyed it and formed so many friendships.

“When both my parents passed away, it was a difficult time. There was so much history that we decided to step away and try something new. So when we saw a call-out for volunteers to help support the Member Days, we thought, ‘why not?’.

“We also host a couple of the Social Breaks that Boundless organises every year, where members stay at a nice hotel somewhere interesting.”

How do you prepare for volunteering?

Nikki: “We do some research beforehand, recommending interesting things for members to do, and we make a pack with ideas, maps and anything to help them get the most from their break. We arrive early to make sure everything is in order and organise a welcome event – anything to bring the group together.”

What does it take to be a volunteer for Boundless?

Nikki: “Being a volunteer does involve a bit of effort, but you get so much back. We’ve had so many experiences we’d never have had if it hadn’t been for volunteering.”

Mark: “Nikki will laugh at this, but she’s the type of person everyone talks to – she can sit on an empty bus and the one person who gets on will sit next to her to chat. That approachability is one of the characteristics that makes a great volunteer. It also helps that we’re both calm, sensible and don’t buckle under pressure. As a volunteer, you often have to think on your feet.

“The preparation for events can be quite time-consuming. Sometimes we’ve thought, ‘blimey, this is a lot of work’, but there’s definitely a feelgood factor in helping others and making things happen.

“And we do feel very valued for our efforts. Last year we won the Above & Beyond Award at the Boundless Volunteer Awards, which was a lovely surprise. As a volunteer, you’re never looking for recognition, but it definitely puts a smile on your face when you get a ‘thank you’ and are told you’re doing a great job.”

BoundlessElaine Allman is treasurer of 2025’s Group of the Year, the York Group

Elaine first became a volunteer 16 years ago, pulled into it by her neighbour when she propositioned her on a bus – and refused to let her off until she agreed. Elaine and her late husband, John, became volunteers of the York Group, and, when John sadly passed, Elaine found solace and purpose in her involvement with the group.

What does your role within the Boundless York Group involve?

“Our job on the committee is to organise monthly social events, plus trips in the summer. We’re there to make sure the members have a great time and everyone feels welcome.

“Our monthly social evenings are at a lovely local hotel – there are refreshments, a raffle, a guest speaker and plenty of friendly chats. Our guest speakers have covered all sorts over the years, from beekeeping and music to candle-making and history, and you know they’re a success when you hear laughter or feel the emotion in the room.

“Across the summer, the social evenings pause and we organise day trips instead – this year we’re going to a gin distillery, Selby Abbey and the local heritage railway with a fish and chip lunch.

“The committee shares responsibility for organising every aspect. We brainstorm ideas in January, then regroup in May and plan for the following year based on what we’ve all found out. Four years ago, I became treasurer, so I submit the budget – social evenings are free, and Boundless covers the venue, speakers and refreshments, while the summer trips are subsidised by income from the yearly raffle.

“As treasurer, it’s down to me to make sure we don’t go over budget and to pay all the bills. It’s a responsibility, but I love my volunteering role – it’s satisfying to know I’m doing something that gives others a good time.”

Winning Group of the Year last year was a great honour. We won because our members gave us great feedback. Most of all, we’ve succeeded in giving people a good time, and that’s what it’s all about.

What has it meant to be involved with Boundless as a volunteer?

“Thanks to the community it’s given me I rarely go into town without bumping into a friendly face. And that’s what being a volunteer is all about – helping people feel they’re part of the York Group Boundless family.

“Volunteering is so rewarding – it keeps me busy and gives me a sense of purpose.”

Volunteer with Boundless

From Hobby & Interest and Social Groups to Social Breaks and Member Days, there are so many ways to get involved at Boundless. Whether you simply want to tag along for the events, or be a part of organising and helping Boundless members on the day, find your community at Boundless. Get more information on volunteering with Boundless and register your interest on our volunteering page.