Queen's Award for ARC team

Published 9 Jun 2010 15:01 0 Comments

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A TOP group were left speechless after their dedication to the community saw them receive the highest accolade in Britain.

Members of Auchenback Active Limited (AAL) were elated when years of hard work paid off as they won the Queen's Award for Voluntary Services.

The group, who are based at the Auchenback Resource Centre (ARC), were recognised by a judging panel.

They battled it out for the Queen's Award along with 341 other nominees across the country.

The Auchenback group were one of just 11 organisations across Scotland to win the coveted honour - which recognises contributions made to local communities by voluntary groups who give up their time for the benefit of others.

Several women's, artists' and drama groups run in the centre as well as I.T. services, tea dances and a popular community cafe.

Built just before the millennium, the centre is a key facility and the group who run it are proud to see their efforts to retain the building and its spirit rewarded.

AAL director Irene Simpson said: "We're delighted. Just very, very pleased.

"It's a feather in our cap.

"We're over the moon about winning the award and hopefully it will open a lot of doors for us.

"We're working hard to keep the place going and hopefully this will help."

Winning the award could mean big things for the team behind the resource centre.

As well as receiving a certificate signed by the Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal the group have also had an invitation to send representatives to the Royal Garden Party at the Palace of Holyrood this summer.

Irene added: "It's a great thing for us and for the centre and we're really happy to have been nominated.

"We would like to thank all the people that were involved in the nomination for their services to us."

Douglas Yates only discovered the award's existence 18 months ago and was convinced that the work at Auchenback Active would qualify them for the prize.

He was supported by Barrhead Housing Association and Voluntary Action in the nomination.

Douglas said: "It is a lengthy process which takes about a year and I am thrilled for all the members of Auchenback Active and commend them for all the good work that they are engaged in on behalf of the whole community.

"I welcome this award because it is a real 'feather in the cap' for all at Auchenback Active, recognising the good work of the volunteers both past and present, and believe that this award is well merited."

Committee chair of the awarding body Martyn Lewis said: "Outstanding volunteer groups across the UK all too often go without recognition for the truly amazing work they do, despite the vital part they play in helping bind our communities together.

"It's a great pleasure to celebrate the efforts of The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service winners in Scotland and help raise awareness of all they do for the benefit of others."

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