THERE WERE smiles all round when the Knowle Society discovered it had been handed the prestigious award.
The group of dedicated volunteers work tirelessly all year round putting together exhibitions, organising social events, planting spring bulbs and much more for the village of Knowle.
Since the society started in 1962 it has blossomed from commenting on planning applications to organising social events including afternoon tea for the Queen’s 90th birthday and considering the affect of flight path changes would have on Knowle.
Trustees and members have also petitioned to the Commonwealth War Grave Commission to get a Commonwealth grave for Alfred Barber, one of the villages World War One heroes, which will be put into place soon.
Trustees David Bower, the son of one of the founding members and Peter Johnson were chosen out of the hat to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace where they met the Queen fellow winners.
A delighted Bill Bohanna, Chairman of the society, said “The achievement of this award recognises, and celebrates the activities undertaken by the Society within our local community.
“I know that without the dedication and hard work of the Trustee Directors, their committees, society members and local support this achievement would not have been possible.”
Leighton Jones, trustee and former chairman of the society said it was a great honour when Council Leader Bob Sleigh suggested to nominate them for the award as it recognises all the hard work the volunteers put into the society.
He added: “It’s incredible to be one of 193 charities and organisations across the country to be given this award.
“Organisations like ours tend to work locally and while they are well known locally does actually a great profile we got no
“The award will be something that is recognised by all the members of the society and will be nice for those working for the society including members to see we are appreciated.”
Proud trustee Janet Erzen said the volunteers at the society all work very hard and they do what they can for the village and the people of the village.
