VOLUNTEERS working across the county of Herefordshire were recently presented with an award from national charity The Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) which protects historic churches across England.

On January 22 volunteers congregated at a special event for The Churches Conservation Trust's (CCT) annual Volunteer of the Year Award ceremony, which aims to recognise and celebrate the enormous contribution from volunteers across the country in keeping nearly 350 historic churches open and at the heart of the community once again.

The volunteers of Herefordshire won the award for county volunteers of the year for their years of dedication to CCTs nine beautiful churches in Herefordshire. Many of these volunteers have been committed to caring for their local church for decades even as many as 60 years! They ensure these churches are kept clean, presentable and welcoming to visitors. Dr Kenneth Keenan accepted the award on behalf of all the Herefordshire volunteers.

The volunteers awarded were:

Mrs Beryl Davies and Linda Miles who look after St Michael's Church, Michaelchurch, Ross On Wye.

Dr Kenneth Keenan, Richard Spencer, Justin Lewis, June Chase and Mike Evens who care for the church of St Cosmas and St Damien, Stretford, Leominster.

Mrs Peggy Webb, in her 91st year, is the longest serving of the Herefordshire volunteers – for over 60 years she and her late husband have given tireless service to St Mary the Virgin, Yazor, Hereford.

Mary Szuster who has given a lifetime of service to St Cuthbert's, Holme Lacy, Hereford.

For over 40 years Mary and David Hopson gave totally devoted service to Church of St John the Baptist Llanrothal, Monmouth.

Kate Harvey Moreton Church, Moreton Jeffries.

Sue and Edgar Davies, St Mary's Church, Wormsley.

Humphrey Salwey, St Bartholomew's, Richard Castle Humphrey's family go back generations and their Coats of Arms are displayed in the church.

Tony Cotton Yatton Chapel, Hereford. Tony is now confined to a wheelchair, yet still looks after the church with his workmen.

The award was collected on behalf of the whole volunteer group by Dr Kenneth Keenan who said

'My own involvement with Stretford Church goes back to 1974. For 32 years when I visited Stretford Court, the home of the Price family (who were custodians of the Key) and it has always been a passion of mine. Since the house was closed in 2006, I still travel twice a month from North Yorkshire, to clean, attend to flowers, welcome visitors and groups with the help of a tremendous team. CCT means so much to the Herefordshire Volunteers. Two months ago we helped with a concert at Yazor Church, the first in 40 years.'

Dr Loyd Grossman CBE FSA, chairman said

'Many of our churches would not survive if it weren't for the dedication of our hundreds of volunteers. As chairman of the Trust, meeting volunteers over the years has been a highlight; I've been consistently impressed with the passion they have shown for caring for these important buildings. I am delighted to have the opportunity to show our gratitude for all that they do and to celebrate their achievements at our fifth annual volunteer of the year awards ceremony.'

We are extremely grateful to the Marsh Christian Trust whose support make the awards possible and to the London Transport Museum for their generous hosting of the event.