The Queen’s Award For Voluntary Servive is the ‘MBE’ for volunteer groups.
On The 16th September Aspire Ryde were delighted to welcome the Lord-Lieutenant of The Isle of Wight Major General Martin White CB CBE JP who presented to Aspire Ryde on behalf of The Queen.
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service’ it is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. It is the MBE for volunteer groups!
Aspire Ryde were nominated for their volunteer work in the community by the Mayor of Ryde Councilor Henry Adams who said, “since its founding Aspire Ryde have reached out & developed community services benefiting the town of Ryde & making it a better place to belong”.
Aspire Ryde is a relatively new charity that was developed by Heath Monaghan and his team to breath new life into the redundant former church building turning it into a much needed community centre. Heath who is founder and leader of the organization said, “ Ryde needed a community heart and we asked the question about what was to happen to this important landmark building. It has been great to see the local community flock there to help to develop the project with about 120 regular volunteers committing their time to make it thriving & a vibrant heart to the community. Our volunteers are fantastic individuals but together they are an amazing team with a heart for helping others. We are honoured and delighted to have been acknowledged for our work within the local community benefiting thousands of people each month from Ryde and across the Island. This award is really a celebration of each and everyone of our amazing volunteers over the last three years who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to serve others”.
Julie Monaghan project volunteer coordinator said “we are so pleased to receive this award it recognises the hard work & dedication of our team of volunteers who deserve this the highest honour they can receive. We will celebrate with a party later in the year when we receive the award for from the queens representative here on the Island”.
Louise Randal an Aspire Ryde volunteer when asked why she volunteers at Aspire said “I believe in what we do & have caught the vision for a community that supports each other in a safe space, where I can try new ideas & projects, the other volunteers have become like family for me”.
The day was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate this achievement, Aspire had over 200 invitees attend with a range of dignitaries alongside their value volunteers.
Island Echo and On The Wight used the photos.