THREE Isle of Wight organisations have received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The award, created in 2002 to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, recognises excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community.
Aspire Ryde, Storeroom2010 and the volunteers of Carisbrooke Castle Museum were honoured this year.
Storeroom2010, which recycles furniture and household items, was recognised for “providing the opportunity for Island people to improve their prospects and lifestyles”.
Storeroom manager Nick Miller said: “Storeroom’s volunteers are a superb team, giving their time free to help keep Storeroom open to everyone on the IW; this is a great recognition for them all, for their efforts.”
Community hub project Aspire Ryde earned the award by “developing community through transforming people and transforming place.”
Charity founder Heath Monaghan said: “This award is really a celebration of each and everyone of our amazing volunteers over the last three years who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to serve others.”
Carisbrooke Castle Museum volunteers were recognised for “welcoming visitors and engaging the local community with outreach programmes to schools and care homes”.
Chair Gill Kennett said: “We’re absolutely thrilled. We got some amazing volunteers without whom we could the museum going. They do so much for us and I think they really deserve it.”