A team of dedicated Herefordshire volunteers have been given royal recognition for their tireless efforts to support the local community.

Volunteers of St Peter’s Church and the Hub in Peterchurch have received a King’s Award for Voluntary Service, marking a significant moment as the only 2024 recipients in the county. 

Over fifty volunteers of all ages, ranging from a teen up to some 80-year-olds, support the church and Hub, with the programmes run by the church ranging from well-being programmes, providing healthy, affordable meals, sharing pre-loved clothes during the heating crisis, and taking care of the churchyard. 

The Revd Simon Lockett, Vicar of St Peter’s Church Peterchurch and director of The Hub, said: “I know that all our volunteers will be thrilled but equally slightly baffled that what they do is seen as anything exceptional.

ALSO READ:

"They are a wonderful group of people, who come together to care for each other and those around them.

"It is wonderful that they are getting recognition of the highest order – this is a fantastic thank you to them for all they do day in and day out as wonderful examples of quiet Christian service.”

Edward Harley, Lord-Lieutenant for Herefordshire, said he was "delighted" the group has been awarded the honour, adding that it demonstrates how people can come together to support and care for each other across the generations. 

What are your thoughts?

You can send a letter to the editor to have your say by clicking here.

Letters should not exceed 250 words and local issues take precedence.

The Rt Revd Richard Jackson, Bishop of Hereford, added the honour highlights how the rural churches can find new ways of serving their communities. 

The Hub is seen as a national exemplar, both in volunteers and delivery, and regularly host groups from other parts of the UK, most recently Brixham, Devon and from as far away as Wenatchee, Washington State, US.

The church and Hub volunteers will receive the award crystal and certificate from the Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Edward Harley, next spring. In addition, two volunteers from St Peter’s and the Community Hub will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s award.