Bosworth in Bloom has received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) in honour of the group’s outstanding contribution to the community.
This Award, instituted by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 and renamed as the King’s Award in 2023, is the highest honour available to volunteer groups and is equivalent to an MBE.
Presentation of the Award was made by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire Michael Kapur OBE on Friday 5th April at the Market Bosworth Community Library, which also received a King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The KAVS website states Bosworth in Bloom has been recognised for the group’s efforts in ‘creating and maintaining horticultural excellence, environmental responsibility and community involvement.’
Chris Hooker, Chairman of Bosworth in Bloom, said “Since the group formed in 1985, Bosworth in Bloom has consistently won the top award at regional level and has twice won Gold in the national competition. Even so, we were surprised to be put forward for this award”.
“We are immensely proud to have been honoured with this award, among the first by King Charles III and one of only six awards given to voluntary groups in Leicestershire. We see this as recognition of the time, effort and financial support given over many years by the residents of our village”.
“In many ways this Award is a collective ‘win’ for all those, past and present, who have given so much to make Bosworth a place to be proud of and a joy to visit.”
Michael Kapur OBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire and official representative of His Majesty King Charles III for the County and City of Leicester, said “Described as the MBE for voluntary groups, the Kings Award for Voluntary Service recognises outstanding achievements by groups of volunteers who regularly devote their time to helping others in the community, improving the quality of life and opportunity for others, and providing an outstanding service. It sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering.
“To have achieved this Award is a great tribute to both Bosworth In Bloom and Market Bosworth Community Library, and their valued teams of volunteers, as it is a very significant National Honour.”
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, said “ One of the first things that strikes you when you visit Market Bosworth are the floral displays, whatever the time of year. This is only matched by the warm welcome you receive if you visit the library.
“So, to spend the afternoon celebrating as both Bosworth in Bloom and Market Bosworth Community Library received the Kings Award for Voluntary Service was an honour.
“To have the highest decoration possible from the King for volunteer groups and equivalent to an MBE, is fantastic recognition for these two groups and their outstanding contribution to our community.
“A very big well done and congratulations to the teams at Bosworth in Bloom and the Community Library for their dedication. On behalf of our community, thank you for your hard work over the years.”
Councillor Maureen Cook, Borough Councillor for Cadeby, Carlton & Market Bosworth with Shackerstone, said “I have great pleasure in congratulating the Bosworth in Bloom volunteers on being recognised for their dedication, hard work and commitment over many years. Their work brings much pleasure to residents and visitors and enhances our community. The Kings Award for Volunteers is richly deserved”.
