Queen’sAward handedtocharity

A Cumnock charity has been handed the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK.

Her Majesty’s LordLieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Sheriff Iona McDonald was pleased to announce that Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise was formed in May 2013.

The charity has a strong focus on the delivery of facilities, and programmes and resources to encourage regular participation in sports and physical activity, regardless of any barriers such as age or ability.

At present, there are over 60 volunteers, including parents, senior school pupils and members of the local community who give up their free time to deliver a range of programmes.

The Lord-Lieutenant said: “This is the first year that groups in East Ayrshire have been awarded the QAVS and it is testimony to the hard work that the members of the group carry out to promote sport, exercise and healthy living. They have done so much in such a short time and I am looking forward to meeting the group when I formally present the award.”

Eric Bennett, Trustee of CJCE said: “We are delighted to have our organisation and volunteers recognised by receiving The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

“In the last year, we’ve had over 52,000 visits to Townhead Community Sports Hub to participate in a range of activities.

“This would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the fantastic volunteers who undertake a variety of roles such as football coaching, committee work, team administration or doing maintenance tasks.

“We are proud of the inclusive community we have created through sport at Townhead Park.”