09-04-2025
Six local organisations honoured by the King at glittering ceremony
SIX community organisations have been recognised by His Majesty, the King for their contribution to the Dudley borough.
The King's Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteering groups in the UK, equivalent to an MBE, and is awarded for life.
Of the 19 organisations receiving the award across the West Midlands, more than one third were from Dudley.
Halesowen in Bloom, Access in Dudley and Friends of Saltwells Nature Reserve all received awards, along with We Love Carers, Black Country Mental Health and The Black Country Blokes CIC.
Six community organisations have been recognised by His Majesty, the King for their contribution to the Dudley borough (Image: Friends of Saltwells Nature Reserve) The awards were presented by the Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Derrick Anderson CBE, at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham on Sunday, April 6.
Councillor Hilary Bills attended the event and became the first Mayor in the West Midlands to collect an award herself, as she accepted on behalf of Halesowen in Bloom.
She said: 'I would like to send my warmest congratulations to all six organisations on receiving such a prestigious accolade from His Majesty the King.
'To have six of the 19 organisations recognised across the whole West Midlands come from our borough is a real testament to the work being done by volunteers here.
'It is a fitting tribute to their dedication and efforts in helping local people.'
Chair of Friends of Saltwells Nature Reserve, Les Drinkwater, spoke of his delight at the group picking up their award.
He said: "We were enormously proud to receive the Award, on behalf of all the volunteers that help to maintain Saltwells National Nature Reserve as the special gem it is in the heart of the community in Dudley borough.
"It is an honour for us to play our part in conserving this site of national importance for future generations, but also to welcome in as wide a range of people as possible to enjoy this amazing place, learn a little more about how special it is and benefit from spending time in nature, right on their doorstep.
"To be recognised with such a prestigious award is fantastic and I couldn't be more proud."
