Loose Ends and Newbury Riding for the Disabled both presented with King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024
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Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Andrew Try presented the King’s Awards for Voluntary Service to six winning Berkshire groups at an event at Shaw House on Tuesday, February 25.
Two of the award winners were homeless charity Loose Ends that operate out of Newbury Cricket Club and Newbury Riding for the Disabled based in Hampstead Norreys.
The award entry for Loose Ends stated: “Loose Ends is focused on defeating poverty and deprivation.
“It has fed homeless and vulnerable people in Newbury for 34 years.
“The volunteers usually run at least five meal sessions every week, all year round, more recently using Newbury Cricket Club.
“The aim is simple; to provide hot meals, food packages, and wider support to the homeless, lonely, vulnerable and those struggling financially locally.”
The award entry for Newbury Riding for the Disabled said: “For 20 years, Newbury Riding for the Disabled has provided invaluable opportunities for disabled children who would otherwise not have the chance to meet a horse, let alone ride one.
Other Berkshire groups honoured at the event included a group that supports families affected by sickle cell anemia, a project that plants fruit trees in communities and a charity that helps young people through hardships with a range of individual workshops.
All six volunteer groups received a special commemorative crystal and a certificate signed by the King in recognition of their outstanding contribution to their local community.
The awards ceremony was attended by volunteers and supporters from the winning groups and civic dignitaries from across of the county.
The Lord Lieutenant was support by two Lord Lieutenant’s cadets during the event, them being leading cadet Alisdair Shankland, Newbury Sea Cadets, and cadet warrant officer Sam Bromham, 459 (Windsor) Squadron.
