Royal seal of approval for woodland volunteer
Retired submariner chosen as a Coronation Champion
A former submariner from Perthshire is one of 500 outstanding volunteers to be chosen as the nation’s Coronation Champions.
Ian Riches (65), who lives near Burrelton, has been recognised by Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort as part of the official coronation celebrations in conjunction with Royal Voluntary Service (RVS).
Ian is being recognised for his volunteering with Woodland Trust Scotland at Kinclaven Bluebell Wood. This follows a call out to the nation to nominate volunteer heroes. Almost 5000 entries were received.
Ian, who is father of three, grandfather of five and retired from the Royal Navy after nearly 40 years’ service as a submariner said: “I am extremely flattered and proud. I wouldn’t have been nominated without the team of Kinclaven volunteers behind me.
“Their enthusiasm fuels my enjoyment.
“It is a huge honour to have been nominated, but to be one of only 500 people who volunteer in a huge variety of fields, across the whole of the UK is somewhat mind blowing!
“My wife Aileen and I are thrilled to be attending a Royal Garden Party at Holyrood House in the summer, as part of the award.”
Volunteering development officer for Woodland Trust Scotland, Matilda Scharsach said: “We are so delighted for Ian.
“He does such a huge amount for us across three roles. He is warden for the site, a guided walk leader, and he leads the 50-strong Woodland Working Group that carries out practical conservation tasks.
“Under his leadership the group has an impressive list of achievements including planting 30,000 trees and clearing six acres of invasive Rhododendron ponticum.
“As warden, he visits the wood most days, picking up litter, maintaining gates and fences and welcoming visitors.
“He’s our eyes and ears on the ground. He really does go above and beyond and his commitment is astounding.”
With the support of Her Majesty The Queen Consort, a passionate advocate of volunteering and president of Royal Voluntary Service, the Coronation Champions Awards were launched to recognise exceptional volunteers from across the country at this momentous point in history.
All Coronation Champions, including Ian have been invited to attend one of the official Coronation celebrations, such as the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert or a Coronation Garden Party.
They will also receive a specially designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by Their Majesties.
Catherine Johnstone CBE, chief executive of Royal Voluntary Service said: “We were completely blown away by the response to the Community Champions Awards and the huge volume of amazing nominees put forward.
“Our judges had a tough job selecting just 500 Champions from an array of thousands of inspirational individuals, who all deserve to be recognised and commended.
“Each of our Coronation Champions displayed a commitment and contribution that far exceeds any expectation and we’re overjoyed to honour and thank them during this exciting point in history.”
Ian really does go above and beyond and his commitment is astounding