Spelthorne Litter Pickers, a volunteer group based in the borough of Spelthorne, has been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the community. The group, which consists of over 1100 volunteers, has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024. This prestigious award is the highest honor a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
Founded in 2020, Spelthorne Litter Pickers works closely with Spelthorne Borough Council to organize litter picking events and address issues such as fly tipping and anti-social behavior. Their mission is to foster a sense of community involvement and belonging by involving children, young people, and businesses in voluntary work within the local area. Through group events, social media, and email communication, the group promotes physical activity and encourages social interaction, ultimately improving community cohesion and respect for the environment. Their ultimate goal is to make Spelthorne the cleanest and greenest borough in the UK.
This year, Spelthorne Litter Pickers is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Their work, along with that of other recipients from across the UK, serves as a reminder of the incredible impact of volunteers in their local communities, working tirelessly to improve the lives of those around them.
Established in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and continued following the accession of His Majesty The King, The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognize exceptional work by local volunteer groups. This year marks the second year of the award.
The recipients of the award are announced annually on November 14th, The King’s Birthday. This year’s winners are a diverse group, including a mental health and wellbeing support network for veterans and their families in Yorkshire, a group dedicated to preserving a historic 12th century castle in south Wales, volunteers providing English lessons for refugees in Stirling, and an organization offering opportunities for people with learning disabilities to engage in the arts in County Fermanagh.
Later this summer, representatives from Spelthorne Litter Pickers will receive a crystal and certificate from Mr Michael More-Molyneux, Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey. In addition, two volunteers from the group will have the opportunity to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May or June 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s award.
Shirley Lunn, Co-Founder and Chair of Spelthorne Litter Pickers, expressed her gratitude for the award, stating, “We are incredibly honored to receive this prestigious award. Our dedicated team of volunteers, who brave all types of weather to keep our borough clean and safe, are the backbone of our organization. They are truly amazing and deserve this recognition.”
