Leigh charity receive King’s Award for Voluntary Service

The Bridgers Community Group, based in the village of Howe Bridge will formally receive the prestigious award, equivalent to the MBE for volunteer groups next year.

The five-strong group is involved in the environmental, horticultural, pastoral and social issues of Howe Bridge village life.

Group chairman Terry Daly said: "I am delighted that our group’s involvement in local community issues and dementia care has been recognised, because of the hard work dedication and commitment of our amazing volunteers, life in and around our village of Howe Bridge has been enhanced considerably."

Members of The Bridgers Community Group at work (Image: The Bridgers / Facebook)The Bridgers have had 'consistent and long term success' in the North West In Bloom project, and for many years have been awarded a Keep Britain Tidy Green Flag for the village.

It was also awarded one of the "Tree of Trees" from the Green Canopy that was created to celebrate our late Queen`s Platinum Jubilee.

Because of its involvement with other groups / organisations in Wigan, the group has also received many awards from Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council and other statutory bodies.

Members of The Bridgers Community Group (Image: The Bridgers / Facebook)The Bridgers have also created a QR Coded Heritage Trail to show the fantastic history and heritage of the village.gn

Group members are also lead volunteers in the local Dementia Care charity Good Deeds Trust Dementia Buddy, this includes running the social side of dementia care Coffee Mornings, Luncheon Clubs, Social Events etc and, the Guardian Angels Scheme.

The Bridgers Community Group is one of 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

Members of The Bridgers Community Group at work (Image: The Bridgers / Facebook)

The awards were 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 are announced annually on November 14, The King’s Birthday.

Award winners this year include volunteer groups from across the UK, such as a social support network for disabled adults in Banffshire; a charity using a refurbished pool as a community hub in south Wales; volunteer doctors providing pre-hospital care across rural Cumbria and a village renewal organisation promoting sustainability, equality and social inclusion in County Antrim.

The Bridgers group members will receive the award crystal and certificate from Diane Hawkins JP LLB Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester later this summer.

In addition, two volunteers from The Bridgers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May / June 2024, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.