Greystones Action Group
Fund Raiser: Debbie Pantlin
Queen pays tribute to Rotherham volunteering group with prestigious Award
Greystones Commuunity Action Group from Whiston has been announced as one of 79 volunteering groups from across the UK winning this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, recognising the outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups voluntarily devoting their time for the benefit of others. The prestigious National Honour, which is equivalent to the MBE, sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, and the activities of those awarded have been judged of the highest standard.
Greystones Commuunity Action Group has received the Award from Her Majesty for its work in environmental projects and social support. The 2008 Award winners were selected from 379 groups nominated by members of the public who have been helped personally or witnessed the benefits of a group’s work in their community. Greystones Commuunity Action Group will be presented with an exclusive crystal trophy marking their success at a special local ceremony being given by the Queen’s Lord Lieutenant for South Yorkshire.
Speaking of their success, Donald Straw, Chairman from Greystones Commuunity Action Group said: “We are honoured to have recieved this prestigious awards for all the hard work and hours the volunteers have put into improving the quality of life socially and environmentally for all residents in our Village" . Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, said, "I’m sure everyone in Whiston will join me in offering Greystones Community Action Group our congratulations and sincere thanks. The work of Greystones Community Action Group demonstrates the positive impact that volunteers have on communities, work they undertake without seeking any kind of accolade. That is why I’m particularly pleased their efforts are recognised by the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.”
The Action Group was formed approximately eight years ago with the intention of making Whiston a better place to live. The action group has successfully acquired funding for the provision of a fenced in, hard surfaced play area for ball games. The action group received funding and has upgraded a number of street lights on the Greystones Estate. The action group arranges entertainment for the elderly and a children's Christmas disco.
This group won the Rother Fed Good Practice Projects Award for 2007 for their hard work in delivering a number of successful community projects in Whiston. Rother Fed are currently investigating the possibility of undertaking and funding a CRB check on one of their members, who acts as Father Christmas in the area!
