Award-winning Ludlow charity praised at Mayor Making ceremony

At the Mayor Making ceremony in Ludlow Assembly Rooms on Wednesday, May 27, the newly appointed Mayor of Ludlow, Councillor Diane Lyle, presented Ludlow Cancer Support Group (LCSG) with a Community Group Civic Award.

The Award, a framed certificate, is conferred by Ludlow Town Council for outstanding service to the community. The notation reads: 'For creating a warm, uplifting and supportive community for people affected by cancer, and for their remarkable voluntary fundraising and environmental initiatives that have strengthened well-being and community spirit across Ludlow'.

LCSG members Claire Taylor and Gaynor Lloyd collected the certificate on behalf of the Group. The Group was delighted and honoured to receive this Award and thanked Ludlow Town Council for the certificate and accompanying bouquet.

Claire and Gaynor were especially pleased to see Nicky Kershaw DL and former Ludlow Town Councillor Erica Garner at the ceremony. In 2022, Erica nominated LCSG for the then Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest official award a local volunteer-led group can receive in the UK, carrying the same prestige for an organisation that an MBE does for an individual. Over the coming months, the Group worked closely with Nicky Kershaw and Katherine Garnier, Deputy Lieutenants of Shropshire, to provide the detailed information needed to pass the initial eligibility requirements.

The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 delayed commencement of the full-scale national assessments. By May 2023, 'The Queen's Awards' became 'The King's Awards'. On 14 November 2023 (the King's birthday), it was announced that the volunteers of Ludlow Cancer Support Group would receive The King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS). On 24 April 2024, HRH Princess Anne presented LCSG with the King's Award for Voluntary Service.

On 29 September 2023, the Group received an Award from the BBC 'Make a Difference' initiative. This is awarded to groups who have genuinely changed lives within their community.

Ludlow Cancer Support Group meets on the second and fourth Fridays of each month (except August). Most meetings are held in the Parish Room of St Peter's Church, Henley Road, Ludlow, SY8 1QZ. The next meeting on Friday, June 12 is a BBQ in a member's garden by the River Teme. Email [email protected] for details or visit ludlowcancersupport.org.