Guildford voluntary groups are among seven Surrey recipients of the 2019 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Hundreds of dedicated volunteers, ranging in age from 18 to over 80, who work with these groups across Surrey have had their outstanding contributions recognised and announced to coincide with the UK’s Volunteers Week, June 1 to 7.
It is the equivalent of the MBE for local groups of volunteers and sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering.
The Guildford Town Guides are proud to have won the award.
Its volunteer guides have taken thousands of residents and visitors on a journey back over 1,000 years to learn about the history of the town and its residents of the past.
This includes The Guildford Story walk, and several special themed walks including Lewis Carroll, Medieval Guildford, Victorian Guildford, industries, pubs and inns and the more recent additions of special walks on the life of Alan Turing and his family in the town, and leading lights, looking at the famous artistic residents.
These walks are all free for the public to join and more details including dates and times can be found at: www.guildfordwalks.org.uk
Other recipients of the award from Surrey include: Guildford-based Friday Swimmers. It is a club for physically disabled and post-operative patients, run entirely by volunteers.
It is a registered charity working in conjunction with Guildford’s Spectrum leisure complex to provide assistance and therapy in a safe pool environment for those with a physical disability, regardless of swimming ability or age.
Dyscover: a Leatherhead-based charity providing long-term support and opportunities to people with aphasia and their families.
Patchworking Garden Project: based in Dorking.
Stripey Stork: based in Reigate and Redhil. It collects donations of toys, clothes and other essential items for babies and children and, after checking they meet current UK safety standards, re-home them with local families experiencing hardship.
The Millennium Embroidery Group from Shepperton: Based at The Sunbury Gallery, an educational resource with a programme of exhibitions, workshops and talks.
They will all be presented with their award by the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, at a later date.
For more information about working with local voluntary and charity organisations, please see our list of current volunteering roles.