It’s been revealed that individuals and groups volunteering at Ruddington’s Framework Knitters’ Museum (FWK) have been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2023.
Announced on His Majesty’s 75th Birthday today (14th November 2023), it is the highest Royal accolade a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, and is equivalent to an MBE.
FWK is one of 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive our new King’s first awards this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, aims to remind us about all the ways volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.
Sarah Godfrey, the museum’s Creative and Commercial Manager, says: “His Majesty the King has awarded the Framework Knitters Museum the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of the considerable amount of work done by volunteers at the museum. This includes not only museum volunteers and trustees, but the other volunteer groups including Ruddington Gardeners Club, Nature in Mind, The Ruddington Yarn Ninjas and the Second Turning Textile Group, amongst others.”
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities and was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the Award. Recipients will now be announced annually on November 14th, The King’s Birthday.
The museum currently has around 50 volunteers, some of whom have been volunteering for over 10 years.
Declan Smith, who is one of the museum’s newest volunteers, and joined following his retirement, says: “I love volunteering at the museum. It’s a chance for me to get out the house and chat to new friends, and I love feeling useful again. Without the volunteers, the museum just wouldn’t be able to open its doors – the community, culture, education and history would be lost.”
He adds: “Through volunteering I have gained a new found confidence and a sense of purpose I desperately needed. I would encourage anyone to offer your help to a charity you are keen on, as little or as much time as you can spare – you won’t regret it!”
Ian Rowson, chair of trustees at the museum, says: “The achievement of this award is something that the wider community, but particularly our amazing volunteers, can feel immensely proud of. I’d like to thank each and every one of our volunteers, for their contribution towards making the Framework Knitters’ Museum what it is today. This award is true testament to their dedication and commitment.”
Further details about the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, and this year’s other winners across the UK, can be found >>HERE<<.
