Greatest volunteers pitch for chance of national win

THE Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, The Lord Shuttleworth KG KCVO, has made a final call for Lancashire residents to nominate outstanding voluntary groups in their area for the 2021 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service before this year’s September 25 deadline.

This prestigious UK National Honour, which has the equivalent status to the MBE, recognises the exceptional contribution made to local communities by groups voluntarily devoting their time for the benefit of others.

In June this year, nine outstanding Lancashire groups were announced as amongst the recipients of the 2020 award from nominations made from across the UK. These groups were nominated by members of the public.

Although the window for 2021 nominations has been open since April, there is still time to submit a nomination before the closing date tomorrow. Nominations can be made by visiting https://qavs. culture.gov.uk/

Terry Hephrun, Deputy Lieutenant and chairman of the Lancashire Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Advisory Panel, said: “I was delighted to see Lancashire have a record number of nominations and successes in the 2020 awards; nine organisations from across the county were successful.

“In normal circumstances, these awards would have already been presented by the LordLieutenant at a County Hall ceremony but, understandably, that is on hold for the time being.

“The Lancashire Panel has been working hard to sustain that momentum for next year.

“In the 18 years since it was created by Her Majesty to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002, 70 groups from Lancashire have received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

“Past winners report that receiving the award has enhanced their reputation, encouraged pride in their volunteers, helped with recruitment and even made a difference to fundraising.”