Gala dinner unites Wetherby charity volunteers to mark Queen’s Award success

More than 75 people came together for a major celebration to mark the biggest moment in a Wetherby older persons charity’s history.

WiSE has received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – L-R COO Mark Dobson, Lord Lieutenant Ed Anderson, Chair Trustee Mark Storey.

Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) held a gala dinner to recognise the contribution of its army of incredible volunteers- who were formally granted The Queen’s Award at the event.

The Queen’s Award is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK, with WiSE bosses saying the event marks a poignant moment for the charity and its volunteers.

Chief operating officer Mark Dobson, said: “Everyone involved with the charity was absolutely thrilled to hear that we’d been granted such a prestigious award when it was announced earlier this year, but it only felt real when we were formerly presented with the award at this important celebratory event.

“The Queen’s Award is the greatest recognition a charity like ours can ever receive and represents deserved appreciation for the efforts of our incredible volunteers over many years. The fact that it was awarded in the year Her Majesty sadly passed away after so many years of public service, makes it feel all the more poignant.”

The dinner at The Engine Shed in Wetherby included a drinks reception, speeches and disco. It was attended by some of the charity’s volunteers, trustees and small team of paid staff. The highlight was the presentation of a certificate and glass dome by Lord Lieutenant Ed Anderson. The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Robert W Gettings also attended.

The Queen’s Award recognises outstanding work done by charity volunteers in their own communities.

Any group doing volunteer work that provides a social, economic or environmental service to the local community can be nominated for the award. The groups are then assessed on the benefit they bring to the local community and its standing within that community.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our work- generously giving their time and energy to help older people in Wetherby and its surrounding villages live healthy, fulfilling lives. There haven’t been many opportunities to bring people together in one place to celebrate our work during the last few years, so it was such a special occasion for everyone involved,” said Mark.

WiSE offers advice and information, activities, transport, befriending and a myriad of other services- almost all of which are supported by volunteers in some way.

If you think you can help WiSE and would like to find out more about volunteering, email volunteering@w-ise.org.uk or phone 01937 588994.