Enable Deveronside presented with The King's Award for Voluntary Service
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Banff group Enable Deveronside has been officially presented with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
It is the highest accolade a local voluntary organisation can receive in the UK and is equivalent to a MBE.
Enable Deveronside was established in 1980. Since then, the small group of dedicated volunteers has successfully provided a social support network for adults with special needs.
Its weekly meetings, held in the Fife Lodge Hotel in Banff, attract people from a wide geographical area and provide a setting where those with a wide range of needs can meet and enjoy a social environment.
The varied programme of entertainment and activities is supported by a number of local entertainers.
Chairwoman Shona Lyon said: "It was a very special evening for us all to receive The King's Award for Voluntary Service, which is a very high recognition for us here in Banffshire.
"What we do here every Tuesday night is really quite amazing to have 140 brilliant people all together to have a good time with something to eat, plenty games, music and prizes.
"Our monthly dance too it is a pleasure to be a part of for all our volunteers at Enable Deveronside."
The organisation is one of 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.
Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds people of all the ways in which volunteers are contributing to their communities and working to make life better for those around them.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their areas.
It was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Following his accession, His Majesty The King announced his desire to continue the accolade.
Recipients are announced annually on November 14, The King’s birthday. Award winners this year were diverse and include groups from across the UK, such as a charity using a refurbished pool as a community hub in south Wales; volunteer doctors providing pre-hospital care across rural Cumbria and a village renewal organisation promoting sustainability, equality and social inclusion in County Antrim.
Representatives of Deveronside Enable received the award crystal and certificate from Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire Andrew Simpson.
In addition, two volunteers from Deveronside Enable will attend the garden party at Holyrood House, along with other recipients of this year’s award.
Mr Simpson said: "Congratulations to Enable Deveronside on receiving The King's Award for Voluntary Service.
"This is an outstanding achievement for this wonderful group of volunteers.
"It is a privilege to recognise and celebrate the vital role of volunteers in enriching our communities throughout Banffshire."
