100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum is a proud holder of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

The 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum were honoured to be awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in September 2022. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. Thank you to all our volunteers past and present.

Trustees and volunteers at the Norfolk museum, based just outside Diss, were surprised and delighted to have discovered that they had been nominated and won the highest award for voluntary services in the UK. Announced to coincide with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on 2nd June 2022, 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum will receive a certificate signed by the Queen and a domed glass crystal. Up to two representatives from the group may also be invited to attend a royal garden party.

Organisations to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services must be made up of at least three people and led by volunteers, not staff. Groups must have been running for at least three years and provide a specific and direct benefit to their local communities. Local assessors research and visit nominated groups before writing a report on their suitability. Local assessment panels then decide which ones to put forward to the National Assessment Committee. The committee considers the nominations and agrees a shortlist for approval by the Queen.

Debra Hubbard, Chairman of Trustees says; “It’s hard to put into words how proud and honoured we feel to receive the QAVS. For over 45 years the museum has had volunteers from all walks of life, each one has contributed to what you can see today. We often use two words when we describe our volunteers and those are commitment and dedication. Our volunteers are a very special bunch of people, some have been here from the start, others for a few weeks, they range from age 13 to 87! But regardless of age or background they all work tirelessly to give our visitors the warmest welcome they can and preserve the history of the boys and men of 100th Bomb Group.”

Ronald Batley, Curator, and volunteer for 45 years says; “Having been involved with the 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum since its inception in 1977, I have seen the organisation grow and flourish over 45 years. To be awarded the highest honour for voluntary services in the UK is astounding, and a validation of the many years of enthusiasm and devotion that our volunteers give to preserve the memory of the 100th Bomb Group.”

From Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum is one of 244 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways in which fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse. They include volunteer groups from across the UK, including: a rural support group for farmers in Shropshire; a community magazine addressing isolation in the Western Isles; a running club engaging all ages in County Tyrone; a film academy and community hub based in South Wales, and a food bank in Greater London feeding vulnerable individuals and providing training opportunities.

More info here: https://qavs.dcms.gov.uk/