EVESHAM Abbey Trust has received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, in recognition of its efforts in restoring and maintaining the remains of the town’s 8th Century abbey.
The accolade was announced on Friday, November 14, HM The King’s birthday and recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities.
It is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive and equivalent to an MBE.
The trust was formed in 2017 to preserve the abbey’s crumbling boundary walls, former cloister site and arch, turning it into a 1.7 acre garden which is currently maintained by volunteers.
Site volunteers continue to be engaged in maintaining the gardens, organising conducted tours and maintaining and developing links with schools.
Barrie Baldelli from Evesham Abbey Trust, said: “We are greatly honoured to have been awarded the Kings Award For Voluntary Service.
“Our volunteers have given freely of their enthusiasm, time, energy and skills in securing and restoring the Evesham Abbey remains for over ten years because they recognised its value and importance both locally and nationally.
“The Kings Award is valued by the Trust and its volunteers through its recognition of local community endeavour and hopes it will act as encouragement to other local voluntary endeavours and activities.”
Evesham Abbey Trust is among 231 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups nationally to receive the prestigious award this year.
Mrs Beatrice Grant, Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, was delighted for the group. “Volunteering is one of the most valuable contributions anyone can make.
“It not only strengthens communities and supports those within them, but also offers individuals the chance to share their skills, discover new friendships, and find real fulfillment.
“The Evesham Abbey Trust has exemplified this spirit, with 150 volunteers at the height of their activities, each bringing unique interests and talents at just the right time.
“Their project has been an outstanding success, and I am delighted to offer my sincere congratulations on receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service – a richly deserved honour,” she added.
She will present Evesham Abbey Trust volunteers with their award and certificate early next year and two members will attend a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace next summer along with other recipients of this year’s award.
The award was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and nominations for next year are open until December 1.
Email [email protected] or visit website kavs.dcms.gov.uk/ for further information.
