Caring group's selfless service recognised by the Queen

The Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mrs Phyllida Stewart-Roberts, told guests gathered at St Richard's Catholic College for the ceremony that only 104 such awards have been made nationally this year.

College students acted as car parking attendants. Young musicians and singers impressed visitors with their expertise as guests including the High Sheriff Amanda Hamblin, county council chairman Cllr John Barnes and his wife, Rother vice-chairman Cllr Sam Souster and Town Mayor Cllr Eric Armstrong and his wife and Mayoress Jeanette took their places.

Guests also included Caring Community organiser Margaret von Speyr and her predecessor Jill Halsall.

The wide range of services to the housebound and lonely of all ages offered by the Caring Community include shopping, visiting, sitting, nail cutting, library, equipment loan, dial-a-ride bus, form-filling, odd jobs, home help, gardening and general caring,

The Sovereign's citation acknowledging the Caring Community's work for the town was read by Derek Norcross, a Deputy Lord Lieutenant.

In addition to the framed citation, the charity receives a glass trophy and the right to display its Queen's Award emblem for as long as it continues to serve the community.

Introduced by the Caring Community's company secretary, Ian Ashley-Smith, the Lord Lieutenant said: "It is wonderful to be here. This is a very special occasion.

"In the year of her Golden Jubilee in 2002, Her Majesty created an award - the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service for community groups working within the realm."

The award was designed to acknowledge outstanding voluntary service.

"Bexhill Council of Voluntary Service, supported by its wonderful volunteers, has worked tirelessly since 1965 to give hope and help to the lonely and disabled."

The late Canon Michael Townroe had recognised the need that existed and had inspired health professionals and caring volunteers to create a "caring community."

He had "matched needs with deeds."

The Lord Lieutenant described founder member Myrtle Bagnall, now the organisation's chairman, and her team of volunteers as "an outstanding example of voluntary work."

"Together, you have brought great benefit to the community, supported entirely by fund-raising, donations and legacies, widening your care to encompass young people and working in partnership with like-minded organisations."

The award celebrated the great contribution the Caring Community had made locally. The organisation was one of only 104 chosen out of hundreds of nominations and was truly a national honour.

The Caring Community had been selected because it represented selfless service which was in the best traditions of the nation.

"It gives me great pleasure to offer Her Majesty's congratulations and thanks to you and best wishes for your continuing work on behalf of the community."

In response, the chairman thanked the Lord Lieutenant for coming and for her kind words.

She thanked St Richard's Catholic College for its hospitality and its young people for their support for the ceremony.

"Bexhill Caring Community is greatly honoured by receiving the Queen's Award. We are not only honoured by the award we are humbled by it."

The Caring Community was a small, stand-alone charity in a not very well-known town.

It had been started 41 years ago through the vision of one man, Michael Townroe.

"Like Topsy, it has just growed'¦"

At the time of the nomination 144 volunteers were making its work possible. Over its 41 year history hundreds more had been involved.

"Volunteers are the hands and heart of the Caring Community. Without them we could not exist."

The chairman made a plea. The organisation needs trustees, especially people with business and voluntary experience.

Both the Lord Lieutenant and the chairman were presented with flowers before joining guests for a buffet reception.