Amerton Railway

amerton railway Railway volunteers recognised by royalty

ANARROW gauge railway volunteer team has been recognised for their work in the community.

Atotal of seven voluntary groupsacross Staffordshire have been honouredwithHer Majesty the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The honour recognises outstanding voluntary contributions in local communities and has an equivalent status forvoluntary groups as the MBE has for individuals.

Groups recognised in this year’s awards include Staffordshire Narrow Gauge Railway at Amerton, near Stafford; along with Changes Tamworth;The Fun Club Hub, Burntwood; Marchington Village Shop; Spark CIO, Burntwood; Walk Ministries, Tunstall; and Whittington andFisherwick Good Neighbour Scheme.

Pete Gully,Chairman of Amerton Railway said: “It is amazing to see what our volunteers have accomplished here at Amerton Railway, andweare honouredto receive this award. “Being able to engage with our local communities and visitors, and share our knowledge about the locomotives, rolling stock and otherartefacts we have onsiteisa pleasure. “We would like tosay thank you to our volunteers,both past and present, and to the local community for their ongoing support.”

In the coming months, the seven groups are set to receive their certificate signed by Her Majesty The Queen along with an exclusive commemorative crystal presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Mr Ian Dudson CBE KStJwho is Her Majesty’s representative for the county.

Mr Dudson said: “I am delighted that we have several more winners again this year, taking the overall number of winners in Staffordshire to over 100 since the awards started in 2003. “This year’s winners are shining examples of the hundreds of organisations in this County whose volunteers improve the lives of others in our communities. We are all extremely grateful for what they do. “It is particularly appropriate this year that anumber of them have been recognised for their additional contributions during the pandemic. “I would like to send the winners my warmest congratulations and look forward hopefully to being able to present their awards to each of themlater in the year. ”

Mr Paul Snape, Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, added:“Where would we be without our many volunteers, it is clear to me that thepeople of Staffordshire are always ready to help in any way they can without seeking reward. “Only on days like today do we have the opportunity to pay tribute to the many people who give so freely of their time and expertise to the benefit of others.Once again my sincere congratulations to all our winners.”

Representatives from thegroups are also set to receive an invitation to attend aRoyal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. To date 105 groups from Staffordshire have now received this annual Award since it was created by HerMajesty in 2002.

For details of all this year’s award winners and information on how to nominate agroup go online to: https://qavs.direct.gov.uk where anomination form canbecompleted and submitted online.

Nominations for 2022 need to be submitted by September 15, 2021.