Trail volunteers among groups honoured

THAMES Path and Ridgeway National Trails volunteers, hosted by Oxfordshire County Council, are among groups to receive the Queen’s Award.

They help to maintain, enhance and promote the two trails. The Thames Path starts at the source of the Thames, near Kemble, Gloucestershire and follows the river 184 miles to the Thames Barrier Greenwich. The Ridgeway runs for 87 miles from Overton Hill near Avebury to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire.

In normal times weekly volunteer work parties install signs, repair gates, cut grass and clear scrub, to name but a few tasks.

Everyone has a passion to help keep the trails open for the local communities as well as for national and international tourists.

Chairman of the Thames Path National Trail’s Partnership and volunteer, West Oxfordshire district councillor Stephen Good, said: “I’m delighted that our group’s work has been recognised.

“It pays tribute to all the hard work and commitment from our volunteers.”

Dr Richard Mayon-White, a National Trails Volunteer, added: “We’re out in all weathers looking after the Thames Path and Ridgeway because we love the countryside and enjoy making these National Trails easier for everyone to enjoy them.

“Many of us are in our retirement years, but that doesn’t stop us from taking on tasks such as online mapping and social media, making and putting in fingerposts and installing gates.”

Representatives of the National Trails will receive the award from Tim Stevenson OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire later this summer.

Two volunteers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May next year, along with other Queen’s Award recipients.