THE group behind Birkenhead Park's maintenance has been presented with its Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.
Friends of Birkenhead Park were among 241 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups announced as recipients of the prestigious award, equivalent to the MBE for volunteer groups, earlier this year.
They were formally presented with the honour during a ceremony at the Visitors Centre by the Lord-Lieutenant Mr Mark Blundell.
Presentation of crystal to Friends of Birkenhead Park
The event was attended by the High Sheriff of Merseyside, Nigel Lanceley, Mayor of Wirral, Councillor George Davies and Merseyside Lieutenancy Assessment Team of His Honour John Roberts, Dr Ruth Hussey, and Professor Sir Ian Gilmore.
A spokesperson for the group said: "It was a very special moment for the Volunteers in being recognised for their commitment over many years in maintaining Birkenhead Park as a place for the community to enjoy.
"The Friends help local people develop a sense of community ownership of the park and allows them to speak out in its interests.
"They have developed a wide range of volunteering activities and have delivered educational programs and skill-training workshops.
"The group seeks ways to enhance the profile of the park by improving awareness of its historical and heritage significance."
The Friends played a major role in the conversion of a piece of derelict area on the edge of the Park now known as 'The Edward Kemp Community Garden' into community gardening plots which provide a basis for learning and practising horticultural and gardening skills.
In presenting the award the Lord-Lieutenant said to the volunteers: "You have helped turn this Park from a no-go area into an area visited by thousands of people every year.
"You have dedicated thousands of hours of undertaking a variety of volunteer projects including converting a disused piece of land into an inclusive community garden and growing area.
"The Friends of Birkenhead Park have with just cause, caught the selector’s eye, and have been granted the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2021".
Graham Arnold, chairman of The Friends, said recently: "I and the rest of the team are delighted that the group's work has been recognised in this way.
"It pays tribute to hard work and commitment made over many years by volunteers who make a huge contribution to the park".
RELATED STORY: https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/19343012.wirral-organisations-receive-queens-award-voluntary-service/
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