Our maritime volunteers are honoured
Sunderland Maritime Heritage has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The highest award a can receive in the UK will be presented to representatives from the group of volunteers by Susan Winfield, Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, later this year.
Its centre offers an interactive heritage experience for all – with a workshop area demonstrating boat building, woodworking and engineering skills, and a visitor centre that illustrates the development of Sunderland’s 600-year history in ship building and associated trades.
Volunteers are from all walks of life such as the unemployed, retirees, persons with special needs, those on the autisticspectrum and those with early onset Alzheimer’s.
Sunderland Maritime Heritage celebrates its 20 th anniversary in December this year.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Christopher Carol an said :“We are all very proud that we have been given this award and would like to thank Sunderland City Council, C-Tec, the Sir James Knott Trust, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Sir John Priestman Trust and all our visitors and members who have supported us over the years.
“We would not have flourished without your help.”
Two volunteers from Sunderland Maritime Heritage will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2021, along with other recipients of this year’s award.
The Lord-Lieutenant said: “I am delighted that Sunderland Maritime Heritage has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2020.
“It is a unique organisation that is playing a vital role in attracting, educating and promoting knowledge of the maritime heritage of the City of Sunderland.
“My warmest congratulations to all those who have played a part in achieving this honour.”
Sunderland Maritime Heritage is one of 230 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.
The others in the Tyne and Wear area include 324 (South Shields) Squadron Air Cadets, North East Hearts with Goals, placing defibrillators in the community, Forward Assist, helping former servicemen and women adjust to civilian life, and Families In Care, advocacy and support for families in Newcastle.