On Saturday 23 March staff, volunteers and local dignitaries gathered at Queens Park Arts Centre for a momentous occasion for the presentation of the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest recognition given to a voluntary group and equivalent to an MBE.
Sarah Lewis Chief Executive QPAC, welcomed The Countess Howe, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, to the stage of the art centre’s Limelight Theatre to present the esteemed award. Peter Cooper Chair of QPAC’s Board of Directors, himself a volunteer, accepted the award on behalf of the art centre’s community of 200 dedicated volunteers as the theatre erupted with cheers and applause.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of Queens Park Arts Centre and I would like to add my congratulations on winning this award to all those dedicated people that make the organisation what it is. Well done everyone!”
Peter Cooper, Chair of QPAC Board of Directors
The Lord-Lieutenant gave a heartfelt speech commending the incredible community of volunteers at Queens Park Arts Centre, highlighting their invaluable contributions across the many different areas of the arts centre – from the Board of Directors, workshop tutors, in-house Unbound theatre directors, actors, AV technicians and set builders, to coffee bar and front of house staff, administrative, publicity and events support. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service stands as a testament to all of the volunteers’ hard work and commitment to QPAC, helping make the organisation the hub, heart and home of the arts in Buckinghamshire, and championing it’s ethos ‘Arts for All’ – to provide outstanding and affordable creative arts for the local and wider communities.
“It is a great pleasure to present The King’s Award for Voluntary Service to Queens Park Art Centre on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III. The breadth of activities on offer here together with the commitment and pride of such an extraordinary number of dedicated volunteers is simply incredible. I warmly congratulate you all and thank you on behalf of the many people who enjoy spending time at this centre discovering new skills and hobbies. It is a very special and inspiring place.”
The Countess Howe, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire
The ceremony concluded with a joyful celebratory Ode to the volunteers performed by the first Bard of Aylesbury, Gareth Johnson, who took to the stage and delighted the crowd with tales from the art centre’s illustrious past, and present.
Following the presentation of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, attendees celebrated this remarkable achievement with drinks and petit fours in the art centre’s coffee bar and took the opportunity to get together for a group photo to add to the extensive QPAC archive – a history dating back over the past 40 years.
“We now have around 200 volunteers helping out in all areas of the Centre’s day-to-day operation, as well as facilitating the longer-term strategic operation. The breadth of their skills and experience, combined with their generosity of spirit is impressive, and very much appreciated. I am so pleased that their contribution has been recognised by the KAVS”
Sarah Lewis, Chief Executive QPAC
Congratulations to all our wonderful volunteers!
