Volunteers from Ford Park Community Group, based in Ulverston, have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
The dedicated team of volunteers play a huge role in helping to maintain and care for Ford Park – a well-used green space in the urban heart of Ulverston, run by the charity Ford Park Community Group. The volunteers carry out a diverse range of tasks as part of a fantastic team from all backgrounds.
Representatives from Ford Park Community Group attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
Ford Park Community Group is one of 281 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups nationally to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of nominations and awards has increased year on year since the awards were introduced in 2002, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them.
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Winners are announced each year on June 2 – the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.
Representatives of Ford Park Community Group will receive the award from Clare Hensman, Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria later this summer. #
Shirley-Anne Wilson, Chair of Trustees for Ford Park Community Group, said: “This award is a real tribute to 20 years of dedicated volunteering from all the wonderful people who have helped in so many different ways to make Ford Park the fantastic community asset it is today. It is a beautiful space, open and free to all.
“We are so grateful to our volunteers – past and present – who give their time to keep this essential community asset open. We simply could not do it without them.
“There are great opportunities at the park for anyone with some time to spare and I would encourage anyone interested to book on to our open day on June 4 to meet the team and see what’s going on at Ford Park.”
Volunteers enjoyed a thank you event on Tuesday 4 June – as part of a Volunteer Open Day at the park – not only to celebrate the award, but also to mark national Volunteers Week. Catherine Elliott, Volunteer Team Leader at Ford Park, said: “From gardening, park maintenance, woodcraft and tool maintenance, to helping with events, crafts and much more, there are so many opportunities for people to enjoy and everyone in the community can get involved here.
“I would encourage anyone who’s interested in volunteering to get in touch – whatever your experience, interests or age, we have something for everyone. It’s a wonderful environment to volunteer in, a beautiful green space – and most importantly, we are a very friendly bunch.” For more information on volunteering, please contact our new Volunteer Team Leader on 01229 588164 or email moray.laxton@ford-park.org.uk
First published June 2019
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