Voluntary groups nominated for King's Award

Representatives from the 12 Cornish voluntary groups with Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO OBE and Councillor Pauline Giles BEM

A dozen voluntary groups in Cornwall have been nominated for a 2024 King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Cornwall Council said the 12 nominated groups were recognised at a reception at County Hall on Wednesday.

It said the award is the highest recognition for voluntary groups in the UK.

Col Sir Edward Bolitho said it was a "very proud moment" to see so many of Cornwall's "brilliant voluntary groups nominated".

"Cornwall has a strong heritage of volunteering, with an estimated 32% of the county volunteering, well above the national average," he said.

"The King’s Award for Voluntary Service celebrates groups that are truly outstanding and make a tangible difference to their local community."

He said it was the "highest number of nominations" for at least a decade.

Equivalent to an MBE, The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is awarded for life.

Originally created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the award has been shining a light on the work of voluntary groups from across the UK for many years.

Which groups have been nominated?

• Cornwall Blood Bikes

• Penzance-based GOFA (Good Old Furniture Available)

• Holywell Bay Surf Lifesaving Club

• The League of Friends of Launceston Hospital & Community

• Livewire Youth Project in Saltash

• National Maritime Museum Cornwall

• Operation Encompass

• Fowey’s Squires Field Community Centre

• Wadebridge Foodbank & Storehouse

• Walker Lines Gymnasium Trust in Bodmin

• Young Carers Group

• Falmouth’s Young Generation Theatre

Award recipients will be announced on 14 November, the birthday of HM The King.