Royal recognition for community shop
Royal recognition for community shop
A large team of volunteers have been recognised for their contribution to their community. Marchington Community Shop, in Church Lane, has become the latest volunteer-led initiative to be presented with aQueen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
A large team of volunteers have been recognised for their contribution to their community.
Marchington Community Shop, in Church Lane, has become the latest volunteer-led initiative to be presented with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire Ian Dudson CBE, KStJ with his wife Jane, made the presentation at a special ceremony in Marchington Village Hall on Thursday (September 30).
Also attending were the High Sheriff and his wife, James and Sanda Friend, and the chair of Staffordshire County Council and his wife Paul and Susan Snape.
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is known as the ‘MBE for voluntary groups’ and is awarded for “outstanding voluntary service” to a very limited number of groups each year.
A spokesman for the shop said: “The Lord-Lieutenant praised the achievements of volunteers who had kept the shop going to help customers especially over the tricky lockdowns in 2020.
“He noted especially that this had been built on long-term commitment by shop volunteers to the communities of Marchington and Marchington Woodlands, since 2010.
“This has included providing opportunities for youngsters to train in retail skills including for the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
“It has also proved to be a lifeline for people living on their own, and newcomers to the villages, and provides a vital communication network across the area, combatting accessibility issues, social isolation and loneliness.”
The spokesman continued: “All the 2,000 residents of Marchington and Marchington Woodlands benefit from the shop.
“There are 250 active email recipients of news from the shop that serves to keep customers informed but also improves the communication network about a whole range of topics between the neighbouring villages.
“The shop is open more than 50 hours a week to serve the needs of its customers.”
On Thursday, a certificate, signed personally by Her Majesty the Queen, was presented to Ann Wynniatt-Husey, wife of Reginald Wynniatt-Husey, whose inspiration started the shop.
A commemorative trophy was presented to Liz Morgan, the present chair of the Shop Board.; and flowers were provided by Jane Hilton, one of the shop volunteers.
More than 30 volunteers each received a badge to recognise their achievements.
The spokesman added: “It was a wonderful evening, giving volunteers a chance to celebrate and share experiences over what has been a challenging 18 months in the shop’s history.
“A further 17 volunteers who were unable to attend will also receive their badges.”
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