Grantham RiverCare has been recognised with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest accolade a voluntary group can receive in the UK and regarded as the equivalent of an MBE.
A total of 231 volunteer groups across the country have been honoured this year. The award, previously known as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, was established in 2002 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and has been continued by King Charles III following his accession.
Founded in 2004 by a small group of local residents, Grantham RiverCare has grown into a well-established environmental organisation with around 40 regular volunteers. The group works to care for the River Witham for the benefit of Grantham and the surrounding community.
As part of the wider Keep Britain Tidy RiverCare/BeachCare programme, and with support from Anglian Water, the group carries out regular litter picks, habitat management and restoration, water quality monitoring, citizen science projects and environmental awareness activities.
Over the past 21 years, Grantham RiverCare has completed more than 150 dedicated outings and estimates that volunteers have collectively removed at least 30 tonnes of waste from the local environment.
The award is the result of nominations made by local residents and will be formally presented to the group by Toby Dennis, the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, on behalf of the King.
David Martin and Ian Simmons, who have served as co-leads for the past six years, said the honour reflects the long-term commitment of volunteers.
“This success is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers over the past two decades, and the credit belongs entirely to the group, especially our visionary founder, John Knowles.
“Through voluntary action, we drive significant civic engagement, noticeably improving the quality of our local environment, elevating the wellbeing of residents and volunteers alike, and ensuring the protection of wildlife.
“Our efforts powerfully support strategic goals, such as those championed by Keep Britain Tidy, by directly tackling litter, enhancing local amenities and empowering communities.”
Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, praised the group’s work.
“Grantham RiverCare’s passion for safeguarding the River Witham and its surrounding parks and green spaces is a real inspiration. Its commitment protects local wildlife, keeps the river clean and healthy, and inspires its community. It really is a shining example of how to love where you live – this award is richly deserved.”
The Skylark IX Recovery Trust is also celebrating receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. The trust cares for the ‘Dunkirk Little Ship’ Skylark IX, which helped save lives during Operation Dynamo in 1940 and was itself rescued from a watery grave at Loch Lomond in 2012. Today, the vessel stands as a symbol of recovery and resilience, supporting projects that inspire people to make positive changes to their lives and communities.
The Safe Anchor Trust, based in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, has also been honoured. The charity provides therapeutic boat trips for people who are disadvantaged due to physical or mental disabilities, social isolation or age.
Nominations for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service are assessed locally by Lord Lieutenants before recommendations are reviewed by a committee of national assessors. All successful groups receive a crystal award, a certificate and two invitations to attend a Royal Garden Party.
Read the full list of winners at www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/64902/supplement/J
