Individuals and groups volunteering at Ruddington’s Framework Knitters’ Museum have been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) 2023.
Announced on His Majesty’s 75th Birthday on 14th November 2023, it’s the highest royal accolade a local voluntary group can receive in the UK, and is equivalent to an MBE.
The KAVS aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the Award. Recipients will now be announced annually on 14th November, the King’s birthday.
The Framework Knitters’ Museum is one of 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive our new King’s first awards this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, aims to remind us about all the ways volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.
Sarah Godfrey, the museum’s Creative and Commercial Manager, said: “His Majesty the King has awarded the Framework Knitters’ Museum the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of the considerable amount of work done by volunteers at the museum.
“This includes not only museum volunteers and trustees, but the other volunteer groups including Ruddington Gardeners’ Club, Nature in Mind, The Ruddington Yarn Ninjas and the Second Turning Textile Group, amongst others.”
The recently expanded museum on Chapel Street is now home to even more voluntary groups and volunteers. There are currently around 50 individual volunteers, some of whom have been volunteering for over 10 years.
Declan Smith, one of the museum’s newest volunteers who joined following his retirement, said: “I love volunteering at the museum. It’s a chance for me to get out of the house and chat to new friends, and I love feeling useful again.
“Without the volunteers, the museum just wouldn’t be able to open its doors – the community, culture, education and history would be lost.”
He added: “Through volunteering, I’ve gained a new found confidence and a sense of purpose I desperately needed. I’d encourage anyone to offer help to a charity they’re keen on, as little or as much time as you can spare; you won’t regret it!”
Ian Rowson, Chair of Trustees at the museum, said: “The achievement of this award is something the wider community, and particularly our amazing volunteers, can feel immensely proud of.
“I’d like to thank each and every one of our volunteers for their contribution towards making the Framework Knitters’ Museum what it is today. This award is true testament to their dedication and commitment.”
Graham Wright via RUDDINGTON.info