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Presentation of the King's Award for Voluntary Service to the Houghton Regis Helpers on 18th April 2024
Left to Right: The High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Bav Shah; Secretary Houghton Regis Helpers, Jenny Gallucci; Chair of Houghton Regis Helpers Yvonne Farrell; HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada.
A greatly deserved Award. In reply to being presented with the Award, Jenny Gallucci said:
"My Lord-Lieutenant, Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of Houghton Regis Helpers, I thank you for presenting our group with this prestigious award which is an honour and testament to the hard work of all our volunteers, past and present.
As the local Good Neighbour Scheme we work closely with other professionals and community organisations and we are delighted to see so many of you joining us today to share in this wonderful recognition of what we do to help others. A special thank you to those who nominated us for the award and gave testimonies in support - Cllr Tracey McMahon from Central Beds Council; Lady Clifford (who cannot be here today), High Sheriff in 2022; Sharon from Don’t Let Dunstable Die; Titan PCN; Time2Connect; Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity; Houghton Regis Town Council; and our friends at Small Acts of Kindness. And of course, the Assessment team of Deputy Lord-Lieutenants.
It’s amazing to look back to our first year, 2012, when volunteers carried out 315 jobs for 50 residents, to last year, 2023, when volunteers carried out more than 4000 jobs for almost 400 residents - that’s an average of 6 jobs per week in 2012 to 76 jobs per week in 2023.
Thank you all for coming today but most of all I want to thank our volunteers - without you, none of this would be possible. The support and help you give to our community is incredible, the work you did during the Covid pandemic was selfless, unprecedented and amazing, and the care and commitment you give to others is beyond words.
Give yourselves a pat on the back (applaud)
Now, let’s celebrate! Enjoy the food have a good chat, look at the display and in a few minutes we will ask the volunteers to join us for a group photo!
Thank you."
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| Photographer | Houghton Regis Helpers |
|---|---|
| Catalogue Number | |
| Copyright | Retained by Original Source |
| Collection Holder | Houghton Regis Heritage Society |
