Presentation of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service

18th March 2026

On a beautifully sunny afternoon, the Lord Lieutenant, the King’s representative in the county, Mrs Anna Turner, JP presented a crystal award and a certificate signed by HRH King Charles III in recognition of the importance and impact of the Community Shop.

Mrs Turner spoke with great sincerity, leaving everyone in no doubt of the significance and the rarity of being given this Award, emphasising that the national panel of judges have to be totally convinced that an organisation has demonstrated exceptional excellence in many areas of its operations. It was quite moving and emotional to hear such praise and there were a few people wiping their eyes by the end!

In return, the Lord Lieutenant accepted the gift of a distinctive green Shop apron and joked that she would ‘start on Monday!’.

Cakes and fizz were enjoyed by volunteers, past and present and a toast raised to the future of the Shop and the new build.

Find out more about The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.