Volunteers from Welsh Water’s Waterworks Museum in Hereford have scooped the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) and were given the Crystal Award and Certificate at a Ceremony held at the Museum in October.
The award which was presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Mr Edward Harley OBE, was given to the volunteer group for the commitment made by all volunteers who have contributed to the services at the Museum over the last 46 years.
Mr. Edward Harley, OBE said, ‘The Waterworks Museum provides a wonderful visitor attraction for Hereford which gives pleasure to a wide range of people. The museum preserves and restores important elements of our local and national heritage. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to all involved in volunteering for this superb organisation. The award is a well-deserved recognition for the enormous amount of energy and time that all the volunteers give to this excellent museum.’
The Waterworks Museum, one of Herefordshire’s leading visitor attractions opened in 1974, and has been run by volunteers, ranging from engineers who maintain the collection of engines, to stewards, guides, café and administrative volunteers, who all ensure there is a warm welcome and something to offer visitors of all ages.
Jill Phillips, The Chair of Trustees at the Museum said, “To receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is wonderful. The vision, drive and determination of the founder members has continued through the years and the absolute strength of the museum is the passion and capabilities of those involved. I would like to give special thanks to Richard Curtis and Dr Noel Meeke, MBE, both former Chair and volunteers.”
The Museum is owned by Welsh Water, who in partnership with the volunteers deliver a primary school education programme allowing pupils to spend a full day at the museum learning about water and the vital role it plays in our lives. Pupils engage with hands-on water-filtering experiments, water supply and sustainability challenges. However, it is not just the younger generations who are encouraged to learn, the unique interactive Noel Meeke Heritage Water Park, allows all visitors to have a go with historic water devises that have been used through the generations to understand the difficulties of obtaining water in days gone by.
Alun Shurmer, Welsh Water’s Director of Customer Strategy and Engagement said: “The Waterworks Museum is an important part of our heritage and an essential learning environment for all people in our communities. Volunteers have been the lifeblood of the Museum since it opened and have made it the success it is today. I am pleased that all present and past volunteers have been honoured with this award and would like to extend my gratitude and thanks for the outstanding commitment made by all volunteers.”
The museum offers visitors the opportunity to see a wide range of working pumps and engines from across Herefordshire, neighbouring counties and Wales, which are some of the last working examples of their type. The collection is considered one of the best in the UK.
