On Friday 3rd May, the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Lady Emma Barnard, presented the volunteers at Amberley Museum with the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service. The award, equivalent to an MBE for voluntary organisations, recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was 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.

Amberley Museum has over 400 active volunteers who restore, maintain, operate and demonstrate a wide range of historic exhibits to visitors. The Museum showcases and preserves the rural, transport, industrial and communications history of the south of England for the learning and enjoyment of today’s visitors and future generations. None of which would be possible without the thriving community of volunteers who give their time and expertise to support the Museum.

On Friday, Lady Emma enjoyed a tour of the Museum in the spring sunshine, stopping off to meet volunteers working in different areas of the site, including the working Print Shop, the Cycle Repair shop and the historic Fire Station. During her tour, Lady Emma was treated to a demonstration of lead-casting by the Worshipful Company of Plumbers and took the opportunity to ring the historic telephone bells in the Connected Earth exhibition. The Lord Lieutenant was accompanied by the Chair of Trustees, Richard Vernon, and Museum Director, Katrina Burton, as well as a number of distinguished guests, including the Chairman of Horsham District Council, Councilor David Skipp, the Chairman of West Sussex County Council, Councilor Pieter Montyn, and Andrew Griffith MP.

A particular highlight for the guests was the trip on a vintage Southdown bus which took the party to the Limeburners Cafe for the presentation of the award. Around 150 volunteers, staff and other guests were present to witness the formal presentation of the King’s Award for Voluntary service crystal and certificate. Volunteers also received a lapel badge to commemorate the occasion. The award crystal and certificate will go on display at the Museum soon.

Richard Vernon (Chair of Trustees for Amberley Museum) said:

“I am thrilled that the dedication, commitment and contribution of Amberley Museum Volunteers has been recognised through the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service. I am always struck by the variety of skills and knowledge our volunteers bring to the Museum, which are shared with other volunteers and to the wider visiting public.”