Volunteers at The Hub at St Peter’s Church in Peterchurch, Herefordshire, celebrated receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service earlier this week with a special ceremony and tea party.
Hereford Diocese [The Church of England in Herefordshire and South Shropshire] broke the news of this prestigious award for voluntary service at the end of last year when the 2024 list was published. It is the highest recognition for voluntary groups in the UK and celebrates outstanding contributions to the local community, commitment to volunteer-led initiatives.
The Hub, which is part of the church in Peterchurch, includes a café, Library, foodbank, and community hub whilst also continuing as an active church, re-opened in 2010. Since then, they have become a valued community resource.
The award was presented earlier this week in a ceremony led by Lord-Lieutenant Edward Harley CBE, the King’s Representative for Herefordshire, accompanied by four Deputy Lieutenants. Honoured guests included Paul Walker, Chief Executive of Herefordshire Council, Pat Churchward, Herefordshire High Sheriff and The Ven. Derek Chedzey, Archdeacon of Hereford.
Revd Simon Lockett, Vicar of the Hub at St Peter's, praised the volunteers for their dedication and hard work, saying: “This is recognition of all our amazing volunteers, and it reflects their tireless efforts. They do a marvellous job every single day, creating opportunities for friendship, providing leisure activities, and fostering community in this rural corner of Herefordshire. We are truly honoured to be recognised as the only voluntary group in the county, and it is a tremendous achievement.”
Speaking at the event, Sarah Halliday, Project Coordinator, commented: “We are committed to supporting the community we serve, and I am delighted to see volunteers receive this well-deserved recognition. Our volunteers are an inspiration, and we are proud of this fantastic achievement.”
The Hub at Peterchurch remains dedicated to its mission of fostering community connections and ensuring that its impact continues to grow for years to come.
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