I was delighted to learn that The Beatrice Charity in Staffordshire Moorlands is one of the 281 organisations from across the UK to receive The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2019, the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK.
As your MP, it is always a pleasure to do what I can to support and highlight the work of the many fantastic local charities and voluntary organisations that we have here in the Moorlands. Last week was Volunteers’ Week and I am really grateful to the many volunteers working selflessly for their communities and making such a difference to so many people’s lives.
The Beatrice Charity was established over 30 years ago to run school trips on the Caldon Canal for children with all kinds of disabilities and learning difficulties. Volunteers take a full part in running the boat, under the supervision of a qualified Skipper. The narrowboat Beatrice is 17 metres (56 feet) long and can accommodate 12 passengers on each trip. It has specially equipped toilets, an easily accessible foredeck and an electric lift for wheelchair users or those who cannot manage the steps.
I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to all the worthy volunteers and staff at The Beatrice Charity for being awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – it is very well deserved and real recognition of all their hard work and dedication.
Other organisations in Staffordshire Moorlands have received this award in the past including Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands, a charity that offers support, friendship and practical help to parents with young children and the Werrington Community Volunteers in 2018 and Borderland Voices, which raises public awareness and understanding of mental health issues through the Arts in 2017.
Nominations for the 2020 awards can be submitted until 13th September 2019 – see https://www.gov.uk/queens-award-for-voluntary-service for more details.