
This Saturday (September 19th), at a ceremony beginning at 11.30am, volunteers who have helped run Hambledon Village Shop and Post Office for the past 23 years will be presented with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Cynthia Miller, who has been a stalwart helper throughout this period, will receive the award on behalf of all volunteers from Gordon Lee-Steere DL, chairman of the county’s Queen’s Award panel. Other guests include the chairman of Surrey County Council, the Mayor of Waverley Borough Council, the High Sheriff of Surrey and the chairman of Hambledon Parish Council.
The shop was rescued from closure by villagers in 1992 and is now one of the longest-running community stores in the country, vital to the wellbeing of Hambledon.
In recognition of this achievement, and of the hard work put in by volunteers over the years, the Queen’s award, which has an equivalent status for groups as the MBE has for individuals, was announced earlier this year. It is the highest honour given to volunteer groups.
For security reasons attendance at the ceremony is by invite but villagers are welcome to gather outside to help celebrate an important occasion.
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