On Thursday 20th April, I welcomed nominees of my “South East Cambridgeshire Volunteer Awards”, along with their respective guests, to the Palace of Westminster in order to thank them for their contribution to the local community.
The awards scheme, which opened on 5 December to coincide with International Volunteer Day, prompted 63 nominations by nine different voluntary groups and organisations across the constituency. They were: Milton Covid-19 Support Group; Voluntary Community Action East Cambridgeshire; Petals; Salvation Army; Girlguiding Cambridgeshire East County; Beaches Community Car Service; Lighthouse Centre; Ely Foodbank; and All In Sound.
During the reception, which was held in Committee Room 14 of the House of Commons, nominees were invited to share their experiences as volunteers, and each were given a certificate of recognition for their efforts.
The Prime Minister also thanked them through an on-screen message for making an "incredible difference to our communities".
The winner on the night was Miriam Day for her lifelong service to the Salvation Army and recent support for the Waterbeach Warm Hub. Voluntary Community Action East Cambridgeshire and Beaches Car Service were also recognised for their services to local people.
The evening rounded off with a tour of the historic parliamentary estate, including the House of Commons debating chamber, Members’ Lobby, and Westminster Hall.
