Shropshire canal society and Telford ladies group recognised by King Charles

Two of Shropshire’s dedicated voluntary groups have received royal recognition.

The county’s dedicated canal restoration and maintenance group, the Shropshire Union Canal Society, and Kushdil Ladies, based in Hadley Telford, have both been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

For the canal society the award comes days after it marked its 60th anniversary, and completed significant progress on an ambitious canal restoration project.

Kushdil Ladies, based at Telford Gurdwara in Hadley, is an interfaith group set up 15 years ago which has provided a platform for building friendships, reducing isolation and making a difference to people across the community.

Both groups spoke of their huge pride at receiving the awards, while the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner, said she was thrilled to see dedicated county volunteers being recognised by the King.

Chris Bryan-Smith, a member of the canal society said: “We are absolutely thrilled. It is such fantastic news and it will mean a huge amount to all the people who have been involved over the years.

“It is such a nice thing for all their work to be recognised”

A statement from the society added: “The award recognises the society’s 60 years of making a difference. It is one of 250 such awards in 2026 and is of equivalent rank to an MBE.

“Two of these awards are in Shropshire, where the society mostly operates today, but our award also celebrates 40 years of work in Wales in which the King (as Prince of Wales) took a keen interest and gave valuable support.

“This crowning accolade in our 60th anniversary year acknowledges the efforts of our members, volunteers and trustees over that time. The society today is widely acknowledged for its skill, professionalism and organisation and was recently described as ‘a leading light in the [canal] restoration movement’.

“The society thanks the King for this award, and also the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire and her colleagues for their support in putting forward our case.

“This is the icing on the cake in our 60th anniversary year!”

In a statement, Manjit Kaur and Ranjit Sahota of the Kushdil Ladies said: “We are proud of what we have achieved together over 21 years. We hope to move forward with the same unity, energy, and determination, continuing our hard work to support others and welcome every community.

“Together, we have made a difference, and together, we will continue to make a difference. We are not just a day centre. We are one big family. Kindness has no religion, friendship has no boundaries, and everyone deserves to feel valued and included.”

The KAVS is the highest-level accolade for volunteer groups and is the equivalent of an MBE.

It honours work that is recognised as bringing clear benefits to the community across a range of areas, such as culture, heritage, wellbeing, and social support.

Organisations presented with the award receive a certificate and trophy to proudly display. They are also permitted to use the prestigious King's Award logo on their website, stationery, advertisements, and marketing materials to highlight their achievement.

Mrs Turner said: “Thank you for all you do. Volunteers truly are the backbone of our communities in Shropshire. Many congratulations to you all for being recognised with this top-level award.”

The Shropshire Union Canal Society, which has around 300 members, was formed in back 1966 when Welshpool Council issued plans to build a road along the course of the canal.

In 1969 the society organised what became known as the ‘big dig’ which involved hundreds of volunteers clearing and digging out the canal at Welshpool.

Restoration work has since followed for major sections of the canal with the society currently busy working on the ‘Shropshire Gap’ - the section from Crickheath to Llanymynech.

It has recently completed a major stage of the restoration up to Crickheath, and could be ready to do water tests on the stretch over the winter.

Kushdil Ladies started 15 years ago with a small group meeting for wellbeing support.

Regular meetings soon followed and the group started to meet at the Telford Gurdwara.

The five initial members are still Kushdil ladies today.

In 2011 with the help of elders at the gurdwara the group approached Telford and Wrekin Council for help to be able to support the wider community.

Following a meeting with Shaun Davies, who is now Telford’s MP, and Kuldip Sahota, who is now Lord Sahota, the group officially became known as the Kushdil Ladies.

Kushdil means ‘happy hearts’.

Over the past 15 years with the help and support especially from Hadley and Leegomery Parish council the group has thrived and the group is truly interfaith, having committee and wider members from all parts of society - representing different faiths, cultures, ages and backgrounds,

It works to build friendships, reduce isolation and make a difference to people across the community.

Following the Covid pandemic, the group established a ‘Warm Space’ where people could find warmth, companionship, and support.

The members then reopened the day centre, continuing to offer a welcoming environment and opportunities to connect.

Kushdil Ladies have also helped the community to celebrate major occasions including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the King’s Coronation and VE Day, alongside a number of family fun days.

Families across the local community have benefitted from support the group has given to Telford Crisis Support with children’s school uniforms, gloves, hats, baby clothes, and other essentials, as well as helping food banks.

Members have knitted hearts to support hospitals and hospices, including people receiving end-of-life care and their families and are currently working towards a goal of 1,000 hearts.

The ladies have also devoted many hours, both at the centre and at home, to knitting poppies for Remembrance Day and have made thoughtful gifts for people living with dementia in care homes.

Fundraising features prominently with the group - hosting ladies’ dress-up and dancing evenings bringing different cultures together while raising money for good causes, while afternoon teas also prove extremely popular.

Each Christmas Day, the ladies help interfaith initiatives prepare dinners for delivery to people and families in need.

Alongside charitable work, the day centre offers knitting, sewing, yoga, lunches, social activities, and outings.