The Friends of Arnos Vale Cemetery, the organisation that promotes the Bristol historic cemetery as a place of remembrance, heritage, wildlife and learning, has won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
The group was set up in 1987 when concerned local people came together to oppose proposals by the Victoria cemetery’s private owners to clear a large section for commercial development.
They secured long-term protection for the site – which contains a large number of listed buildings and monuments – bringing it back into public ownership.
Chair of The Friends Sue Puddy and long-time Friend Terry Beech attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace last month in recognition of winning the award.
Sue Puddy said: “This award is for each and every one of our team of volunteers here at Arnos Vale Cemetery.
“It is an honour that all their hard work has been recognised in this way. We have a team of almost 100 people who give up their time to work on the landscape, in reception, in the shop, doing research and many other administrative roles and new volunteers are always welcome to come along and join us.”
The Friends was one of 187 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service this year. The awards were created in 2002 to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and winners are announced each year on June 2 – the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.
It is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK in recognition of their outstanding work in their communities.
The Friends will receive the award from the Lord Lieutenant of Bristol later this summer.
Pictured: Terry Beech and Sue Puddy with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
