Shropshire volunteers recognised in Queen's awards

The county tops the table for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service from the number of charities and causes submitted.

So an impressive six of the coveted awards are coming the county’s way out of a record 11 submissions that had been put forward.

The Award is the highest given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities. Created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of the Coronation, it is the MBE for volunteers.

Lord Lieutenant, Sir Algernon Heber-Percy said: “I am absolutely thrilled at the news and want to pay tribute and say well done to all those who work so hard right across Shropshire for so many people.”

The pick of the crop in the awards scheme this year are Severn Valley Support group, Shropshire Federation of Young Farmers’ clubs, Telford and Wrekin Parkinson’s Support group, Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust, Telford Tree of Light and Tibberton Community Shop.

They represent a varied and rich picture of so much of the life in our county, along with others who may not always win trophies but whose contributions are just as valuable.

Tibberton Village Shop is one of this year’s recipients for its initiatives and service to the local community.

Chairman Jo Ford said: “We are honoured and delighted to have received this award which is a fantastic achievement for our volunteers and which recognises and reward the hard work and dedication all of them have brought to Tibberton Village Shop.

“Our small shop opened just over five years ago and is entirely run by volunteers. It is non-profit making with any surplus going to local projects or ploughed back into the shop.

Many of our volunteers, aged from 14 to nearly 90, have been with us since the first day and not only do they serve behind the till but also source local products and look after the small garden and coffee area.

The shop has become a welcoming community hub in our small village, embracing all generations and is a place both to shop and to socialise."

Those receiving the award were invited to send representatives to Buckingham Palace last month for a garden party.

Jo said: “Sylvia Talbot, one of our longest standing volunteers, and I were delighted to be invited to Buckingham Palace to represent the shop and everyone who has contributed to its success. It was a wonderful day."

Shropshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs was also among those being awarded the Queens Voluntary Service Award today.

Federation county chairwoman Rebecca Green said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award. We are a volunteer organisation, run for young people by young people, which affords opportunities and champions rural life, enhancing the community for all. This is an achievement for a massive network of support around the County federation, including past members, supporters and many local businesses.”

Shropshire Young Farmers were nominated by the immediate past High Sheriff of Shropshire, Christine Holmes, who visited the Young Farmers marquee at the Shropshire County Show and was so impressed by the members and what they achieve.

President Judy Dixon added: “We have more than 1,000 members in Shropshire, within 18 Clubs. I would like to congratulate all members, who together have achieved the fantastic accolade in recognition of their achievements. The huge amount of work and commitment Clubs put into their local communities is surpassed only by the passion and motivation of the individual members.”

Rebecca and immediate past county chairman Ed Potter attended the Buckingham Palace garden party and were fortunate enough to be introduced to Prince Andrew.

The awards will be presented by the Lord Lieutenant later in the year.