This years King’s Award for Voluntary Service were announced on 14 November 2024, for diverse groups all around the UK. It’s the highest award that a group can get and equivalent to an MBE. Three groups in Wyre are delighted to have been chosen.
King’s Award for Voluntary Service
281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups received the prestigious award this year (2024). Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee. The Award continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2024 marks the second year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday.
Care for Cleveleys
Care for Cleveleys volunteers all love the town and want to be part something amazing. They use their various skills to transform Cleveleys for everyone’s enjoyment. A maintenance gang look after weeding, painting and DIY jobs. The crocheters do their bit to bring blooms to the town with their bollard toppers and seasonal installations. The gardeners who look after planted displays were delighted to win Gold recently at the North West In Bloom Awards. All the events in town are the work of the team. Easter and Halloween, Christmas and Northern Soul. Volunteers roll up their sleeves to organise, entertain and keep the town a vibrant, busy and friendly place.
Jane Littlewood is Chair of Care for Cleveleys. She said: “I’m bursting with pride for the group. To receive this recognition for their achievement is such an honour. It recognises the immense amount of hard work, effort and commitment. Volunteers work hard all year round, and are the most fantastic group of people. Together we’ve transformed our town into a quirky and interesting place. It’s enjoyed by both residents and many thousands of visitors each year.
“Care for Cleveleys efforts aren’t just in the street scene and things that you can see. But also in the warm and friendly atmosphere that everyone feels from the town. It’s the camaraderie and friendship that volunteers share which makes us all want to do it. New volunteers are ALWAYS welcome too – whatever you’re good at! Everyone has a skill that we need – just come along and join in, you’ll be made to feel very welcome.”
There’s much more about the Award and Care for Cleveleys here
Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs
Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs is honoured to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, following a rigorous assessment process. It recognises the hard work and dedication of all the valued volunteers, and the pride taken in providing the service.
The hard work and dedication of Trustees and volunteers has made this possible and shows what can be achieved when we work together. We would also like to thank those who have supported the charity in its journey, especially the Rotary Club of Fleetwood, Healthier Fleetwood, Fleetwood Town Council, and Wyre Council. Plus of course our wonderful clients who make everything we do so worthwhile.
Michael Gray is Chair of Trustees & founder of Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs. He said…“The Trustees are delighted that their hard work and the dedication and devotion of volunteers is recognised at the highest level. It also recognises the leading part our town has played in providing this valuable service.”
Find out more about Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs. To book a chair, telephone 03000 111 003.
Poulton le Fylde Community Hall
Volunteers at Poulton-le-Fylde Community Hall who saved their local church hall from demolition have also received the highest royal recognition. The award recognises the efforts of volunteers whose time and skills have turned a once derelict building into a thriving community hub.
Sarah Welsh is Chairman of the charity. She said: “We‘re delighted and honoured to receive the King’s Award. This recognises the long-term commitment and support of our volunteers, who work tirelessly in their own time to help maintain and run the Community Hall for the benefit of everyone who lives or works in Poulton-le-Fylde.
“Each of our volunteers gives their time for different reasons – to give back to somewhere that has given them so much, to find fulfilment after retirement or a bereavement, to help keep a beautiful, architecturally-important building going, or to meet new friends, for example. In return, we hope this award offers them a real sense of pride and purpose. I want to thank all our volunteers past and present, for their invaluable support. You are truly amazing and have helped to save and transform our once-derelict building into a thriving community hub that brings joy and fulfilment to many people’s lives.”
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Community Hall, sharing their skills and time to deliver weekly groups, stage shows and host unique public arts events as well as maintain and improve the building. Over the last six years, the Hall has benefitted from hundreds of volunteers, including a team of around 75 during the Hall’s restoration works and a regular team of 25 now.
More about Poulton Le Fylde Community Hall
Awards Ceremony
Representatives of each group will receive the award crystal and certificate from Amanda Parker, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire. In addition, two volunteers from each group will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
Nominate a Group
Are you part of, or know a group which is outstanding? It aims to recognise:
- Groups that are truly outstanding and making a big difference to their local community.
- Those where volunteers, rather than paid staff, are in the driving seat.
- Groups that have highest standards in everything they do.
Find out more and make a nomination here
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