Posted on Tuesday 14th November 2023
Mr Ian Dudson CBE KStJ
Eight voluntary organisations from Staffordshire have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service in this year’s honours.
This prestigious award recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups, charities and organisations, who benefit their local communities. It 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.
The winning groups this year include:
- Burton HOPE, Burton-upon-Trent
- The Jill Clewes Academy for Theatre Arts, Newcastle-under-Lyme
- Just Family CIC, Stoke-on-Trent
- AEDdonate, Stone
- Home-Start in Tamworth
- Ruff & Ruby Urban Youth Charity, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent
- Friends of the Allied Special Forces Memorial Grove, Kings Bromley
- The Marsh Recreation Ground and Community Centre Trust, Kinver
In the coming months, the groups will receive their certificates signed by His Majesty The King, along with an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Mr Ian Dudson CBE KStJ, who is His Majesty's representative for the County.
Representatives from the groups will also receive an invitation to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
Mr Dudson said:
“I am delighted that we have eight more winners again this year, taking the overall number of winners in Staffordshire to 113 since the awards started in 2002.
“This year’s winners are shining examples of the hundreds of organisations in this County, whose volunteers improve the lives of others in our communities. We are extremely grateful to them all. I send the winners my warmest congratulations and look forward to being able to present their awards to each of them later in the year.”
Mr Phil Hewitt, Chairman of Staffordshire County Council said:
“Only on days like today, do we have the opportunity to pay tribute to the many people who give so freely of their time and expertise to the benefit of others. Staffordshire is a wonderful place to live, work and play, and today confirms that. Once again, my sincere congratulations to all our winners.”
His Majesty the King has announced that 262 outstanding UK volunteering groups have been honoured as recipients of the award. Winners are announced each year on 14 November – the King’s birthday.
To date, 113 groups from Staffordshire have now received this annual award since it was created.
Further details on this year’s award winners and information on how to nominate are available on The Kings Award website.