If an event is short of helpers, then the organisers should be putting a message on this forum. I didn't know That's Lyth was short of helpers until Tony told us after the event.

An interesting idea, John, but I suspect it would generally include the names of people who are already regular helpers. There is usually an informal system within and between local groups to pass on details of potential helpers.
We need to extend the pool of helpers beyond the regulars and it would be good to get ideas on how this could be done. If every participant on events helped out just once a year we would have plenty of people.

I will offer my services to all challenge event check points when I can no longer walk them!! I look forward to that time as a way to repay the LDWA for my enjoyment of events. Even if I can no longer walk it will be a way to keep in touch and socialise. Until that time I offer my services to my local event. As I am so busy getting fit for the 100 event each year I don't have time to help out with working and all - sorry!! But the time will come and who knows how long - when I will be dishing out the tea and soup! And encouraging the runners/walkers to keep on going!

Tony Willey raised an interesting point under the 'runner takeover' thread about events being difficult to sustain due to a lack of volunteers.
Quite rightly he states that part of the deal of LDWA membership is not only to take part but on occasions to give something back whether this is by offering administative help,helping on events or leading walks.
If everybody who is currently a member offered to help on just one event in 2009 it would make a world of difference.
As a newly formed group with a low membership we are not in a position to offer challenge walks ourselves at this stage but it has not stopped some of us putting something back by helping to checkpoint on 'The Hebden'.
I am sure there are other groups out there who do not feel sufficiently resourced to promote their own events but have people willing to assist on other groups events.
Is it possible to have a list of volunteers held on a national database for LDWA event organisers to access if they are seeking help on events?I certainly would be willing to volunteer and help on 3 or 4 events a year and I suspect I am not alone.
After all if LDWA members cannot help LDWA groups stage events,they will ultimately disappear from the calendar