Dunbartonshire Dunkirk volunteers win charity MBE

A Dunbartonshire charity restoring a Loch Lomond pleasure boat, which was used to rescue stranded soldiers during the Dunkirk evacuation in World War Two, has been awarded the charity equivalent of the MBE.

The Skylark IX Recovery Trust is one of 231 charities across the UK  to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The award is national recognition and celebrates the exceptional commitment, skill and compassion of volunteers, who work tirelessly to protect the legacy of the historic Dunkirk Little Ship Skylark IX while supporting people across West Dunbartonshire through recovery, boatbuilding and community programmes.

Over the coming months, representatives of Skylark IX Recovery Trust will formally receive the Award from the Lord-Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, Mrs Jill Young MBE, and two charity volunteers will be invited to attend the Royal Garden Party in 2026.

Mary Burch BEM, Chair of Skylark IX Recovery Trust, said:

‘We are deeply honoured to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of Skylark IX — honouring her legacy while helping people in our community find hope and recovery. This award is a meaningful reflection of their compassion, resilience, and belief in the power of community.

‘We extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer, supporter, partner, and friend who has been part of our journey. This recognition truly belongs to them — a celebration of the dedication and care that make West Dunbartonshire such a strong and inspiring place.”

Anne Dyer, Depute Director of Alternatives, Dumbarton a community-based drugs recovery programme, and advisor to the Trust, said:

“It has been a privilege to work alongside Skylark IX Recovery Trust and witness first hand the impact volunteers from Alternatives and the wider community make every single day. The blend of heritage, recovery, and community spirit is unique, and the volunteers are the driving force behind that success. The time and commitment our volunteers offer doesn’t just support Skylark IX — it creates real pathways of hope and recovery in our community.”

Local business leaders attending a breakfast briefing in Clydebank, have received a presentation on the King’s Award for Enterprise from one of Dunbartonshire’s Deputy Lieutenants.

The KAE is an awards programme for British businesses and other organizations who excel at international trade, innovation, sustainable development or promoting opportunity. The KAE are the highest official UK awards for British businesses. The Dumbarton Chamber of Commerce’s breakfast briefing at the Golden Jubilee Hospital was addressed by Elliot Witherow DL who gave a brief overview on the Lieutenancy, the role of the Lord Lieutenant and explained how they represent the Crown covering such diverse activities as armed forces day and Remembrance to 100th Birthday celebrations with Investitures, Citizenship and award ceremonies in between. Elliot then moved onto a presentation about the KAE, explaining the history of the award since inception in 1965 and how 7000 business have received an award over its lifetime, the award categories, benefits of winning, eligibility, life cycle and the application process.

The Award is made in four categories, innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity (through social mobility.) Successful businesses can use the KAE emblem for five years in company literature and marketing material and are invited to a Royal reception. Many previous winners have reported increased international turnover.

The application process for 2026 runs until 9 September 2025, with winners advised in May 2026. The award is open to UK based safe contained business, have a good compliance record with HMRC and at least 2 full time or part time equivalent staff. The application process is online at The King's Awards for Enterprise: About the awards - GOV.UK

A local charity set up to help the community during the COVID pandemic and which still supports tens of thousands of people, has received one of the UK’s highest honours.

Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels (OKFP) was founded in May 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, when volunteers began collecting and delivering prescriptions to vulnerable families who were unable to leave their homes.

Since then, the charity has grown into a vital community service, providing emergency food and toiletries to more than 42,000 people.

Founder Maureen Cummings said, 'what began as a simple act of kindness during lockdown has become a lifeline for so many. This award belongs to every single one of our volunteers who have given their time, heart, and energy to help others.'

Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels was officially presented with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024 at a special ceremony at Clydebank Town Hall.

Maureen added, 'receiving the award, surrounded by our team and community, was incredibly special. We’re honoured beyond words.'

Representatives from OKFP received the award crystal and certificate from the Lord-Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, Mrs Jill Young MBE, in recognition of their extraordinary dedication to supporting vulnerable people across West Dunbartonshire.

It marks the first time in eight years that a voluntary group in the Dunbartonshire area has received this honour. It is hoped that OKFP’s recognition will inspire further nominations, as many local voluntary organisations continue to carry out vital work deserving of such recognition.

Organisations can be nominated for awards by contacting the Lieutenancy on Dunbartonshire.Lieutenancy@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or 0141 578 8082,

The prestigious accolade – created in 2002 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and continued by His Majesty King Charles III – honours outstanding contributions by local volunteer groups across the UK. OKFP is one of 281 charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations to receive the award this year.

OKFP was founded in May 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, when volunteers began collecting and delivering prescriptions to vulnerable families who were unable to leave their homes. Since then, the charity has grown into a vital community service, providing emergency food and toiletries to more than 42,000 people.

Mrs Jill Young MBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, added: 'Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels represents the true spirit of voluntary service. Their selfless efforts have made a real and lasting difference in the lives of so many across West Dunbartonshire. It was a privilege to present them with this well-earned honour on behalf of His Majesty The King.'

Provost Karen Murray Conaghan of West Dunbartonshire Council also praised the charity, saying: 'This award is a moment of immense pride for our area. Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels has shown what can be achieved when compassion and community come together. Their dedication has made a lasting impact on the lives of thousands, and their recognition at a national level is truly well deserved. I hope this inspires others to celebrate and support the brilliant volunteer groups working tirelessly across West Dunbartonshire.'

A local food bank charity, set up to help people during lockdown and which has continued to serve the local community, has won a top award for its work.

Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels, a group of volunteers based in West Dunbartonshire, has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive and is equivalent to an MBE.

Founder Maureen Cummings, who is a Deputy Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, said, 'our committee is absolutely honoured beyond belief that our charity has been recognised in this way.  

'It is testament to the incredible work and dedication of over 150 volunteers who have given up their time to help others over the past four years. We are very proud of our OKFP Family.” 

OKFP initially started during the Covid Pandemic, collecting prescriptions and delivering them to vulnerable families who were unable to leave their homes. It then responded to a desperate need for food in the local community and the charity was born. In its first year it fed almost 4,000 people and has since provided food and toiletries to more than 37,000 people throughout West Dunbartonshire.

They are one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.  

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support  their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and, was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. This is the second year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK, such as a mental health and wellbeing support network for veterans and their families in Yorkshire, a group preserving a historic 12th century castle in south Wales, volunteers providing English lessons for refugees in Stirling and an organisation providing a opportunities to engage in the arts for people with learning disabilities in County Fermanagh.

Representatives of OKFP will receive the award crystal and certificate from the Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, Mrs Jill Young MBE, at a ceremony later this year.  

In addition, two members of the group will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace along with other recipients of this year’s Award.

The King's Awards for Enterprise

What are they?

Introduced by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the King's Awards for Enterprise are an awards programme for British businesses and are the highest accolade for business success, honouring outstanding UK companies. The awards were made annually by HM The Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister assisted by an Advisory Committee that includes representatives of Government, industry and commerce, and the trade unions. They are made to businesses who have demonstrated outstanding success and contribution in one of 4 different categories:

• International trade
• Innovation
• Sustainable development
• Promoting opportunity through social mobility

Who can apply?

Any business can apply if they can demonstrate their eligibility, as detailed at www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise and summarised as follows:

• International trade: proven growth in overseas earnings.

• Innovation: proven commercial success through innovative products and services.

• Sustainable development: proven success in integrating environmental, social, economic and management aspects of sustainable development into their businesses

• Promoting opportunity through social mobility: proven success in supporting people from disadvantaged backgrounds in improving their skills and their chances of finding work

How do I apply?

Applications should be made online at www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise/how-to-apply. The application window opens on 1 May annually and closes mid September (the actual date may vary each year but will be published on the website) with successful organisations being notified in April the following year. It is free to enter and businesses can apply for an award in more than one category.

Is there any other help available to me?

If you require any help, support or assistance in compiling your nomination, it is readily available through the King's Awards for Enterprise committee of the Dunbartonshire Lieutenancy and the Lieutenancy Officer, maggiehendrie@eastdunbarton.gov.uk who will put you directly in touch with the Committee Chairman.

What happens next?

Successful organisations, along with their nominees, will be informed shortly before the public announcement. They will then be invited to a reception in Buckingham Palace in July and the Lord-Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, on behalf of His Majesty the King, will present the award locally at a later date.

The awards are valid for 5 years; your organisation will be able to fly The Award flag at your main office and use the emblem on your marketing material. You will also be given a Grant of Appointment and a commemorative crystal trophy.

Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2015 - The Loch Lomond Rescue Boat

The Loch Lomond Rescue Boat service was set up 37 years ago to address the need for an emergency waterborne rescue and assistance service to those who found themselves in distress on the Loch or in its surrounding wilderness areas. The Group is volunteer led and is entirely independent from any other maritime emergency service.   It operates in co-operation with the local Police, Fire and Ambulance services and with Coastguard and Mountain Rescue all of which rely upon the essential and trusted waterborne emergency service that it provides.   The crew of volunteers selflessly provide their service 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, and conscientiously turn out in all weathers to assist those in need.   In addition to its rescue service the Group also provides a search and recovery service for those who have lost their life by accident or otherwise.  Despite the beauty of the area Loch Lomond can be extremely hazardous to those who do not know or understand its many underwater obstacles and treacherous undercurrents and consequently the Group's services can be much in demand.  It has in the past been named as the busiest in-shore rescue boat in the United Kingdom and today still remains one of the busiest.

 

Photos by Courtesy of Robert Bell, West Highland Photography.

Further photos HERE & copies available from:

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2015 - Bankie Talk Talking Newspaper

 

 

The Bankie Talk Talking Newspaper was established 25 years ago to provide taped recordings of the local newspaper for the visually impaired. Today, over 100 visually impaired adults receive the talking newspaper every week, the talking magazine each month, and have access to a vast library of books all produced on CD and delivered to their home. Over 8000 young people who are either visually impaired, or have difficulty accessing the written word, have access to a magazine tailored especially for them each month. Volunteers come from all age groups to provide this exceptional service.

 

Photos by Courtesy of Robert Bell, West Highland Photography.

Further photos HERE and copies available from:

Presentation of the Queen's Award for Enterprise - International Trade 2015

Photos by Courtesy of Robert Bell, West Highland Photography.

Copies available from:

 

Clydebank Asbestos Group receive the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

A group of volunteers who have campaigned for 20 years for victims of Asbestos were presented with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service at a Civic Reception on Friday 30th November 2012. Clydebank Asbestos Group, were presented with their award by Lord-Lieutenant, Mike Gregory at a special Civic Reception in Clydebank Town Hall. The group, which is staffed by volunteers and has assisted more than 1,700 people, campaigns on behalf of sufferers and their families who have developed illnesses as a result of workplace exposure to Asbestos.

Asbestos, which was produced by the Turner Newall factory in Dalmuir and was commonly used in John Brown's Shipbuilding Yard in the heart of Clydebank, is the cause of a deadly disease which has affected more than 2,000 people in Scotland.  Clydebank Asbestos Group was set up in 1992 to help provide support and advice for victims of asbestos and their families.   People exposed to the substance are known to have a wide range of health problems, including scarring of the lungs, thickening of membranes surrounding the rib cage and cancer of the lining of the lungs.

Bob Dickie, Chairman of Clydebank Asbestos Group said: "We are delighted and honoured to receive this award, especially this year on our 20th Anniversary.   The group would like to thank West Dunbartonshire Council, Councillors past and present, for their continued support and also West Dunbartonshire Council's Welfare Rights staff for their help and assistance over the years.   This award will be accepted on behalf of everyone we have helped and with the reassurance that we will continue to campaign for justice for all victims of asbestos."

The prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is an annual award given for outstanding achievement by groups of volunteers who regularly devote their time to helping others in the community.

Lord-Lieutenant Mike Gregory, the Queen's representative in West Dunbartonshire, said:  "I am delighted to present the award in recognition of the outstanding commitment and dedication shown by the group in helping and supporting people with asbestos.   It is remarkable that the group has been assisting people for over 20 years and their continued pledge to helping people through very difficult periods is to be commended."

He added,  "This award, presented on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, is to thank the group and also to acknowledge that the time they spend volunteering away from their own families does not go unnoticed."

West Dunbartonshire Provost, Douglas McAllister said: "The Council is delighted to host this Civic Reception in recognition of the outstanding work carried out by the group.   This award is testament to the impact the group has had on the lives of the hundreds of people that the group has assisted over the years."

 He added:  "The group has tirelessly campaigned for two decades to help residents and they thoroughly deserve this prestigious award."

The group's efforts have been acknowledged in the past with Chairman, Bob Dickie, being named as Clydebank Citizen of the Year 2012 by the Council, and the group were named Voluntary Organisation of the Year at last year's Scotland's National Health Awards.