Northumberland organisations receive King's Award for voluntary service
by Daniel Hall · ChronicleLiveThree Northumberland organisations have received the King's Award for Voluntary Service.
The award, created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty the late Queen's Golden Jubilee, recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It is often regarded as the MBE award for voluntary groups and has been awarded to 281 charities in 2024.
Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team (NNPMRT) and North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team (NOTMRT) have been jointly recognised for their dedication, courage and commitment in safeguarding residents and visitors across Northumberland. The Glendale Gateway Trust has also been recognised, working to benefit the community, economy and heritage of Wooler and the Glendale valley.
Both mountain rescue teams play a crucial role in the North East's emergency response framework and are completely volunteer-run. NNPMRT's former team leader Iain Nixon said: "Over the last 10 years, we have seen the number of incidents rise to an average 76 incidents a year, a three and a half fold increase.
"This is in part due to the increased popularity of Northumberland as a tourist and outdoor activity destination, which is a great thing for the county. Our volunteers have had to contend with a crashed glider high on The Cheviot, several severe storms, supporting the fire service with a number of major wildfires, and of course, responding to 46 incidents in a 72-hour period during the Beast from the East."
Keith Briggs, of NOTMRT, added: "COVID and the cost-of living crisis have meant more people are enjoying our beautiful countryside which means more need our assistance. This award not only celebrates the bravery and commitment of the teams’ volunteers but also underscores the essential role we play in supporting the North East’s thriving outdoor tourism.
"The work we carry out is only made possible through the dedication of our volunteers, all highly trained individuals, who continually strive to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone who ventures into the region’s vast wilderness."
The Glendale Gateway Trust, which is based in Wooler's Cheviot Centre aims to identify ways of improving the local community's environment and overcoming rural inequalities. They have steadily built an asset base of affordable rural homes and commercial premises for the benefit of the community.
CEO Karen Froggatt said: "I am delighted that our charity has been recognised and I would like to pay tribute to the hard work and commitment of the team including the many volunteers who have over the years worked tirelessly to support us in our work in Wooler and the surrounding area of Glendale".
Representatives of the groups will be presented with the award at a ceremony later this year by Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland, Caroline Pryer. Some will go on to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2025, alongside other recipients of the award.
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