Volunteers at Amberley Museum in West Sussex have been awarded the esteemed King’s Award for Voluntary Service. The prestigious award marks the highest achievement attainable for voluntary groups and is considered an equivalent to an MBE.

The popular museum is based in Amberley near Arundel, on the site of a former chalk quarry and was founded in the 1970s to create a centre which would celebrate, and conserve, the south-east’s industrial and social history in an active working environment.

Today, the museum provides plenty of fun for all ages with a narrow-gauge railway, vintage vehicle demonstrations, historical buildings, exhibits and special events such as railway galas, classic car shows and wartime events.

A thriving team of over 350 volunteers keeps Amberley Museum on the move and open for members of the public and without them, it would not be possible to run the attraction. The dedicated team undertakes an array of essential roles such as maintenance, restoration, operating vehicles, alongside taking time to show visitors the fantastic exhibits.

The Kings Award for Voluntary Service began in 2002 as part of celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and is now continued by His Majesty the King, who feels strongly about the Award.

This year, the award has been given to 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the UK this year, recognising the incredible work that volunteers do to benefit their communities.

Lady Emma Barnard, Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, will present the award and certificate to Amberley Museum and two of the museum’s volunteers will attend the garden party at Buckingham Palace alongside other recipients of the award this year.

To find out more about the impressive Amberley Museum, please click here.

Richard Vernon, Chair of Trustees for Amberley Museum, said:

“I am thrilled that the dedication, commitment and contribution of Amberley Museum Volunteers has been recognised through the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service. I am always struck by the variety of skills and knowledge our volunteers bring to the Museum, which are shared with other volunteers and to the wider visiting public.”