An official presentation of Cumbria Federation of YFC’s King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) was celebrated by former and current members of the county federation in October.
Gathering at The Gavel, Penrith Auction Mart, the special award was presented to four former and current county chairs and presidents by Deputy Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Christopher Sanderson OBE JP.
The KAVS is the equivalent of an MBE and is the highest accolade that a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
It recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. Cumbria was among the first cohort of 262 voluntary organisations to receive the award for the outstanding work of their volunteers.
On presenting the award, Deputy Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Christopher Sanderson OBE JP said:
“We are delighted that Cumbria Young Farmers have been recognised with this prestigious award. They are an important part of the Cumbrian community and have had a tremendous impact on the lives of so many across the county.”
After the presentation, guests enjoyed a pie and pea supper, followed by a presentation from County Chair Charlotte Wilson about Cumbria YFC’s work and a speech from Frank Chester about the history of the federation. Cumbria YFC Northern District Vice Chair Meg Harrison closed the evening with a singing performance.
Cumbria YFC County President John Garnett said: “Our volunteers are the people who mentor and support our young farmers, helping them to develop and grow into confident and resilient adults who will go on to play a major part in the future of Cumbria.
"To receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of their commitment and hard work means so much to us. We are incredibly grateful for all that our volunteers do for Cumbria YFC and its members.”
The county also raised £100 for charity Jigsaw during the occasion by auctioning a celebration cake, featuring the KAVS and Cumbria YFC logos. The money was added to more than £2,500 that had been raised during the County’s 24-hour Danceathon the previous day.
YFC members from across the county signed up for dance slots throughout day, joined by former members, district officers, and county officials. Together, they danced to a wide variety of music genres, making it a collaborative effort to raise funds.
Commenting on the Danceathon, organiser Charlotte Wilson said:
“It was an excellent event with nearly 100 members and advisory from around the county taking part. All ages having fun and socialising really encapsulated the Young Farmer community. It made me extremely proud to be Chair of such a committed and supportive movement.”