LEIGH Ornithological Society and True Colours CIC have been selected to win the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services - the highest
This is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
Volunteers at LOS
Leigh Ornithological Society (LOS) was founded in 1971 in response to landfill threatening important wildlife habitat in the area.
Since then, it has grown into a respected environmental group that has helped reduce subsequent threats by conserving wildlife as well as collecting and publishing biological data.
They also dedicate much of their time on maintenance projects on Pennington Flash Country Park and run a community education programme.
A service user and volunteer at True Colours
True Colours Inclusive CIC in Leigh is also gifted the prestigious award for how they deliver a wide range of daily support to adults with autism, learning disabilities and mental health with autistic traits.
They help them to to develop their skills, become more independent and lead a fulfilled life in their community.
LOS Chairman, David Shallcross said: “This is a wonderful achievement; it is a major honour to receive this prestigious award and I am delighted that the group has been recognised in this way. I would like to pay tribute to the hard work and commitment of the Officers, committee, valued members and volunteers past and present, not forgetting the society’s founders of 1971 and pioneer naturalists before that time.”
Caroline Way
True Colours Directors Marian Milling and Michelle Campbell said: “We are beyond thrilled to be recipients of this prestigious award in recognition of the hard work and time given by all of our volunteers.
“Our volunteers share their skills and interests with the people we support, giving vulnerable people the opportunity to have new experiences, learn new skills, build friendships and be part of their local community.
“Our volunteers are integral to the service we provide and we are very fortunate to have such a committed and diversely skilled team.
“We lost our longest standing most dedicated volunteer, Caroline Way, to cancer earlier this year and would like to dedicate this award to her memory.”
Representatives from both groups will receive their awards from Sir Warren Smith KCVO KSt JP, Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester later this summer.
Furthermore two volunteers from each will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2021, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
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