We have been nominated for the Kings Award for Voluntary Service and following an assessment of suitability in Surrey, our nomination will now be considered for a National Award later this year.
Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the Award has been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK for many years. Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.
The process started with a good friend and supporter of the Wey and Arun Canal Trust nominating us. The supporter completed the detailed nomination form and found two other people, unconnected with the Trust, who thought we were a successful and worthy organisation, to provide required letters of support. Deputy Lieutenants of Surrey then assessed the suitability of all the candidates, and we were interviewed and had to answer many searching questions.
On Wednesday 15th July, volunteers Dave Miller, Mark Feeney and Margaret Darvill attended a reception at Loseley House, hosted by the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, along with 9 other groups who have been successfully short listed from Surrey.
Details of the 10 organisations have now all been submitted to the Cabinet Office where they will be assessed against groups from the rest of the country. We will know on November 14th, on publication of the King’s Birthday Honours list, if we are one of the lucky ones to receive the Award.
We are delighted to be recognised by Surrey for all the great work of our volunteers, the volunteering opportunities we provide and the positive impact we make in the local community.
