MEMBERS of Evesham Abbey Trust were presented with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) by the Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Mrs Beatrice Grant last week.
The award rewards outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities and recognises the trust’s work in undertaking the restoration of the remains of Evesham Abbey.
The ten year project involved the creation of a set of interpretive gardens open to the public year round and was funded by grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and many other regional and local donors.
The award on display in the abbey grounds. Picture Peter Stewart
The award had been announced last year on November 14, HM the King’s birthday.
Mrs Grant was met by the chair and vice chair of the trust, Barrie Baldelli and Elizabeth Spencer who escorted her around the site, before the presentation of a certificate and a crystal trophy was made in front of a large audience, in the nave of the former Evesham Abbey.
Trust members Judi Huxley and Carol Evans accepted the awards on behalf of all the volunteers who have been involved in this project. In turn the Lord-Lieutenant was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Elizabeth Spencer.
Elizabeth Spencer presenting flowers to the Lord Lieutenant. Picture Peter Stewart
Trust patron Nigel Huddleston MP also attended.
The award was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty the King emphasised his desire to continue the Award under his sovereign name.
