Care for Cleveleys is absolutely delighted to be recipients of King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. On 20 January 2025, representatives of the group collected the Award in a special ceremony at County Hall.
Care for Cleveleys volunteers all love the town and want to be part something amazing. They use their various skills to transform Cleveleys for everyone’s enjoyment. A maintenance gang look after weeding, painting and DIY jobs. The crocheters do their bit to bring blooms to the town with their bollard toppers and seasonal installations. The gardeners look after planted displays and are delighted to win Gold at the recent North West In Bloom Awards. All the events in town are the work of the team. Easter and Halloween, Christmas and Northern Soul. Volunteers roll up their sleeves to organise, entertain and keep the town a vibrant, busy and friendly place. See just how much we’ve done here!
Making Life Better!
Care for Cleveleys is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee. The Award continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2024 marks the second year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. In 2014, Care for Cleveleys colleagues Rossall Beach Residents & Community Group were proud to be just the third recipients in Wyre of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the whole of the UK.
Representatives of Care for Cleveleys receive the award crystal and certificate in January from Mrs Amanda Parker, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire. In addition, two volunteers from the group will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
A Quirky King’s Award Announcement!
This amazing news had to be announced in a quirky way, in keeping with the fun and quirky nature of the group and the town! Volunteer Kevin Littlewood dressed up for the occasion, stepping into the role of Town Crier for the morning!
With the embargo lifted and ringing a rather large bell, he strode up and down Victoria Road West, proclaiming the news. It’s an amazing achievement and such a testament to everyone who’s involved.
Such an Honour for Care for Cleveleys
Jane Littlewood is Chair of Care for Cleveleys. She said: “I’m bursting with pride for the group. To receive this recognition for their achievement is such an honour. It recognises the immense amount of hard work, effort and commitment. Volunteers work hard all year round, and are the most fantastic group of people.
“Together we’ve transformed our town into a quirky and interesting place. It’s enjoyed by both residents and many thousands of visitors each year. Care for Cleveleys efforts aren’t just in the street scene and things that you can see. But also in the warm and friendly atmosphere that everyone feels from the town.
“It’s the camaraderie and friendship that volunteers share which makes us all want to do it. New volunteers are ALWAYS welcome too – whatever you’re good at! Everyone has a skill that we need – just come along and join in, you’ll be made to feel very welcome.” Full details can be found on this website, www.CleveleysTCG.org.uk and in our Facebook Group.
Thank You from Kays Fish and Chips
As a token of their appreciation, Kays Fish and Chips invited the core group of volunteers to come along for a Christmas treat on them! Just short of thirty people enjoyed a complimentary fish and chip lunch with a warm mince pie to finish. The treat is their way of celebrating our amazing achievement in having been selected for a King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Mike Wilson (the fish man) sponsored the fish and Kays paid for everything else. They looked after us admirably, providing crackers and festive cheer for a thoroughly fabulous time for everyone. It means SUCH a lot to know that the difference all the team make to the town is valued and appreciated.
