Sir Gavin Williamson attended a ceremony at The Edward Marsh Centre in Kinver as they received a King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Sir Gavin met volunteers from the Community Centre, where sports classes, art workshops, drama clubs, and catch-ups are held to bring local people together. Sir Gavin congratulated the volunteers who maintain the Centre as an important social hub, especially the self-called EMC Fixers who give up their time to keep the Centre in top shape.
The Edward Marsh Centre received a King’s Award for Voluntary Service for providing first-rate leisure, sport, and well-being facilities for the people of Kinver. This is not the first award the Community Centre has received, as they were recognised by the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire in 2022 for outstanding service to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sir Gavin said: “It was fantastic to watch the hardworking volunteers at The Edward Marsh Centre be quite rightly presented with a King’s Award. I know that the community in Kinver really value the Community Centre as a place to meet friends and feel part of the village. The Centre helped residents support each other and rebuild after the pandemic and for that, they deserve the highest praise.”
A spokesman from The Trust said “How delighted we are that our group’s hard work has been recognised. Our wider team’s willingness to give their time and service has helped us save the centre and the recreation grounds from possible closure. Our opening of a community cafe at the Centre post COVID helped alleviate loneliness and brought our community together. Their support allows us to continue to fulfil our mission to see this Centre refurbished saving it for future generations. Our volunteers are proof that anything is possible as long as you have passion, drive, focus and the support of your community”.
