To w n to Ce le br at e John Bunyan Community Boat receives The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
insignia, which now adorns the boat, was unveiled by former Chair, Graham Mabbutt. The volunteers were then invited onto the boat for specially decorated cakes, and a prosecco toast. Sue Gillibrand commented, “We are so very proud that our volunteers are being recognised for all their hard work over the years. What has really struck me, is the loyalty of this group to the boat and to what we are trying to achieve.” Representatives of The John Bunyan Community Boat will receive the award crystal and certificate from Helen Nellis, Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire later this summer. In addition, two volunteers from The John Bunyan Community Boat will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2023, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
As a highlight of the recent Platinum Jubilee celebrations, The John Bunyan Community Boat volunteers were awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS). This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, and is equivalent to an MBE. The announcement of the award was made by Sue Gillibrand, Chair of The John Bunyan’s Management Team, on Thursday 3rd June at Sovereign Quay, to the assembled volunteers, as well as to local news. As part of the announcement, the QAVS
Launched in 2013, The John Bunyan Community Boat is run as a Social Enterprise by B&MK Waterway Enterprises Ltd. Funds raised are used to provide public cruises on the River Great Ouse in Bedford at an affordable cost. The boat has taken over 45,000 people on trips to date, and the 2022 season is now underway, with charters and public cruises available to book. BedfordBID have a long-standing relationship with the project, providing part of the initial start-up funding, as well as on-going sponsorship and promotion. ‘Making the most of the river’ for Bedford’s tourism offering has had a significant, positive impact on the town centre, with the John Bunyan Boat earning a reputation as an excellent leisure experience for people of all ages. More info and booking: bmkwaterway.org/johnbunyanboat/
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