Cullybackey Community Partnership has been announced today, Tuesday 14th November, as a recipient of the first King's Award for Voluntary Service.
One of only nine recipients in Northern Ireland, and the only group in Mid and East Antrim, the dedicated volunteers have been recognised as "a dynamic local community partnership achieving real life improvements for the environment and community."
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK. The Award seeks to recognise groups that are volunteer driven, making an outstanding impact in their local community, and when viewed across the UK, exceptional at a national level.
The award was originally established in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Following the accession of King Charles III, His Majesty expressed his wish to continue the Award, and this year marks the first King’s Award for Voluntary Service. The Award is equivalent to an MBE and is awarded for life.
A snapshot of work, events and fun hosted and supported by the group
The dedicated team of volunteers work tirelessly all year round supporting the local community through organising community events and festivals, environmental work around the village and managing a Business Centre offering space in the middle of Cullybackey village. The volunteers carry out a diverse range of tasks as part of a fantastic team from a wide range of backgrounds.
The dedication, enthusiasm and hard work of volunteers have resulted in the group receiving a number of other awards including Britain in Bloom Small Village of the Year. Many hours are spent making sure the village is a really lovely place to visit and much thought goes into themes, colours, plants etcyear on year, whilst taking into consideration sustainability and wildlife.
The village has come to enjoy at least two large festivals eachyear, which are made possible by a dedicated events team of volunteers, providing entertainment, family activities and opportunities for the local community to get together. There are also a range of community classes run by the group which include yoga, beginner art classes and first aid.
The thriving community business centre is also a real asset to the village and now has a fantastic Community Hall which is used for a wide variety of events, meetings and activities.
As part of the Business Centre, Cullybackey Community Partnership are also part of a Community Hub based on the Main Street. This is a place where people can come in, find out more about local activities, sign up to classes, discover volunteering opportunitues and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat. This has been particularly successful in reaching manymarginalised and lonely people in the Village.
Paul Christie, Chair, commented:
“We are absolutely delighted to have achieved this award and is a testament to all our volunteers who take so much time to making our village a great place to be, so whether its making tea at an event or facilitating a large Christmas Festival, everyone is valued. We will intend to hold a huge party to celebrate with all the volunteers!”
Pictured are representatives from Cullybackey Community partnership with Mayor of Mid & East Antrim Gerardine Mulvenna at the Translink Ulster in Bloom Awards.
A number of men in the community meet regularly and recently enjoyed a fantastic morning at a community health project focussed on cooking with an Air Fryer with demonstrations by Karen Bruce from Mid & East Antrim Borough Council. Facilitated by Cullybackey Community Partnership and Boots Chemist.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, praised Cullybackey Community Partnership following the announcement that they have been bestowed this prestigious accolade. Alderman Mulvenna said:
“The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups in recognition of their outstanding community service.
“I am extremely proud of, and delighted for, Cullybackey Community Partnership who have been recognised in the Awards for their incredible achievements.
“They have been rewarded for their dedication, commitment and tireless work in helping to improve the lives of others in the local area. We are grateful for the energy, enthusiasm and dedication brought to their roles as volunteers.
“It is so important to ensure that the volunteers know how much we appreciate what they do and I offer them all my warmest congratulations and gratitude for their work.”
North Antrim MP Ian Paisley has also congratulated the outstanding work of Cullybackey Community Partnership. He said:
"Local partnership has been awarded and recognised by His Majesty the King with the award of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
"Volunteering is such a vital aspect of community life, and we witness in our villages and towns just how important this service is.
"I am not surprised that Cullybackey has been awarded this prestigious award for voluntary service. The village is coming on in leaps and bounds, and even at the weekend, during the remembrance service, people got to see how cohesive the community is.
"I wish to extend my personal congratulations as MP and encourage everyone to continue to strive to make a local difference to community life."
All this year’s successful groups will be presented with a crystal award and a certificate bearing His Majesty’s signature by the Lord-Lieutenant at a locally arranged event. They also receive two invitations to attend a Royal Garden Party.
Other Northern Ireland recipients in this years awards include Muckamore Parish Development Association, Society of St Vincent de Paul, PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland Charity, Mayfield Village Community Association, Greyabbey & District Community Association, Chinese Welfare Association NI, Ledley Hall Boys & Girls Club, and Fivemiletown Royal British Legion.