Your Harrogate Radio

4:00pm - 7:00am

Email the studio

Bruno Mars

I Just Might

Listen Live Podcasts

Ripon community group presented with royal accolade

Tuesday, 18 March 2025 10:08

Ripon's Community Poppy Project is presented with the Kings Award for Voluntary Service. (Images: Gary Lawson)

Ripon’s Community Poppy Project was presented with its Kings Award for Voluntary Service yesterday (Monday).

The award, which is equivalent to an MBE, is the highest honour a voluntary group can receive.

It was announced that the group would receive the award in November last year.

And yesterday saw a visit from The Lord Lieutenant Jo Ropner and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Richard Compton for the official presentation.

A spokesperson for the Ripon Community Poppy Project said:

“It was such a special day and a great honour to receive the award on behalf of the Ripon Community Poppy Project, this award belongs to the community of Ripon."

The group was formed in 2018 with three distinct aims: to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI, to help local businesses by encouraging more visitors to the city and to bring the local community together.

Since then, the group has grown into the large voluntary team it is today, celebrating and commemorating major occasions from Remembrance to the Kings Coronation.

They were also behind creating the full-sized knitted tank displayed in the city to celebrate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Stuart Martin MBE, Chairman of the Ripon Community Poppy Project, said:

“This is truly a great honour for our group for which we are delighted to receive, but without the help and support over the years of local businesses, local groups and individuals, none of our work would have been possible.

"We want to thank the whole community of Ripon for helping to make Ripon Community Poppy Project such a success.”

Outstanding examples of voluntary work are celebrated every year through the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the Award highlights the fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK.

Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and are awarded for life.

More from Local News

Harrogate Town add two new faces

Ahead of their league two clash with Gillingham this weekend (Saturday 24th January), Harrogate Town have announced two new signings.
Harrogate Denture Clinic announce sponorship for local girls football team

Harrogate Denture Clinic has announced a new sponsorship agreement with Pannal Sports Junior Football Club.
Above inflation rent rise for North Yorkshire council houses

Council house rents in North Yorkshire are set for an above-inflation increase to pay for improvements and more affordable homes.
Ripon amputee injured in horror tractor crash to 'hop' up Whitby's famous steps

An inspirational young woman who lost her right leg and part of her pelvis after being run over by a tractor will take on Whitby's iconic 199 steps to raise money for people with life-changing injuries.
Slingsby Gin brand listed for sale following administration

Slingsby Gin, one of the UK's best-known gin brands, has been placed on the market following the administration of its owner, Spirit of Harrogate.
Knaresborough Town Council launches search for Town Development Manager

Knaresborough Town Council has launched recruitment for a new Town Development Manager - a key role that will lead the economic growth and commercial vitality of the historic market town.
Luxury bathroom retailer opens Harrogate showroom

Luxury bathroom retailer Nôsa has opened its doors on Albert Street in Harrogate.
Harrogate Town defender leaves club after contract expires

Harrogate Town defender Kyle Jameson has left the club after the expiration of his contract.
Duchy Hospital expert to hold free prostate health event

A health expert from Duchy Hospital are set to host a free public event in Harrogate aimed at improving understanding of prostate health and testing.
Festive tractor run raises £50,000 for charity as grand total is revealed

The grand total of last year’s ‘Rudolph’s Run’ has been revealed - and it’s cleared the £50,000 mark.
Future uncertain for Harrogate footwear brand

The future of a long-established Harrogate retailer has been thrown into doubt after a national rescue deal left dozens of stores facing uncertainty.
New independent coffee shop opens in Knaresborough

A new independent coffee shop has opened its doors in Knaresborough.
Lightwater Valley reveals reopening date

Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park has confirmed it will reopen to visitors for a new season on Saturday 28th March.
Harrogate teachers brave blizzard conditions in latest running challenge

Two teachers from a Harrogate independent prep school have completed their latest running challenge – exactly 12 months after they tackled an iconic half marathon in Norway.
Conservative councillors take swipes at Reform amid budget talks

Senior North Yorkshire Conservative councillors took veiled - and not so veiled - swipes at Reform while discussing their authority’s finances at a key meeting.
Date revealed for Knaresborough Tractor Run

The date has been confirmed for this year's Knaresborough Tractor Run, which is set to return on Sunday 8th March.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance appoints new CEO

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity has announced the appointment of Kathryn Marsden OBE as its new Chief Executive Officer
Council to increase council tax by maximum after £43m "wallop" from government

Council chiefs say they have no choice but to raise council tax by the maximum allowed after receiving a £43m "wallop" in cuts from the government.
Harrogate dad takes on 40,000-mile yacht race for bereavement charity

A Harrogate man is taking on a 40,000-mile yacht race to give back to the charity that supported his son through the loss of his mother.
Harrogate BID backs return of town's popular Restaurant Week

Harrogate BID is supporting the return of Harrogate Restaurant Week, which will take place from Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd February 2026.