The Almshouse Association was incredibly proud to learn that the Shewsbury Drapers Company has been awarded the prestigious Queenâs Award for Voluntary Service.
They are among four Shropshire groups to receive the award which is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK.
The Queenâs Award for Voluntary Service was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of the Queenâs Coronation. It is the MBE for volunteer groups and is awarded for life. It is awarded to outstanding groups of volunteers whose level of initiative and impact are truly exceptional. Â Each group is assessed on the benefit it brings to the local community and its standing within that community. Volunteers are expected to be leading its work.Â
âI am delighted that four Shropshire groups have been awarded, The Queenâs Award for Voluntary Service this year. This prestigious award is richly deserved by each of the groups, who have made a real difference to so many people in the county of Shropshire.â
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Mrs Anna Turner JP who will be presenting the awards
The Shrewsbury Drapers provide sheltered housing for the elderly, preserve the heritage of the Guild and their historic Hall and promote a textile design competition. They have been running since 1462. The 52 almshouse beneficiaries are vulnerable elderly people who are selected on the basis of need. The newest block of almshouses, Drapers Place, opened in 2016 and was awarded The Almshouse Association Patronâs Award by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2019. Locals and visitors benefit from Drapers Hall and its contribution to tourism and trade in Shrewsbury. The Textile Design Competition encourages and recognises the work of several hundred students and crafts people.
I am delighted that we have been awarded the QAVS. Â Not only is this a superb recognition of all the hard work put in by our volunteers year after year, but also I hope that it will make us better known locally, and encourage a more diverse selection of skilled and energetic people to come and help us.
Major General John Crackett CB TD DL, the current Master of the Shrewsbury Drapers Company
Read the full article via Shropshire Live here
Find out more about Shrewsbury Draper Company here
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