A COUNTYWIDE award has been presented to honour the contribution voluntary carers make in Evesham and Pershore and the wider area.
A Black Pear Tree award, named after the county’s unique emblem, has been planted at County Hall in Worcester as part of the celebrations to mark 70 years of Adult Social Care.
There are more than 64,000 carers in Worcestershire all of whom make a huge difference to people’s lives.
The tree, donated by Pershore College was presented to the Chief Executive of Worcestershire Association of Carers, Carole Cumino and carers Zarka Ambreen, Chris Aubon, Ray Eades and Jenny Hewitt.
The presentation was made by Worcestershire County Councillor Adrian Hardman, cabinet member for Adult Social Care and the Council’s Interim Director of Adult Services Avril Wilson.
Coun Hardman said: “It is my pleasure to present the hardworking carers from across the county with this Black Pear Tree Award. There are thousands of carers in Worcestershire and this is a thank you to them all for their hard work and dedication. Voluntary carers improve people’s lives and help us to enable them to stay independent for as long as is possible.”
Carole Cumino said: “I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of Worcestershire’s carers. It is important they receive recognition for the vital role they play in communities up and down the county. The Black Pear Award will be a living celebration for every one of them.”
Previous winners of the Black Pear Tree Award include Olympic rower Alex Gregory (MBE) from Evesham, Commonwealth Games gold medal winner, Jodie Gibson and the Worcestershire’s Canary Girls who worked in Blackpole munitions factory during World War Two.
The Black Pear Tree has been the symbol of Worcestershire since the 1500’s when Queen Elizabeth first visited the county and directed that three pears be added to Worcester’s coat of arms.
Following the ceremony, Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Association of Carers held a party in the Council Chamber to celebrate 70 years of adult social care.
