GUEST COLUMN: Ashfield volunteers honoured for community work

Ray Hallam, of Friends of King’s Mill Reservoir, and ACCESS (Annesley Community Committed to Sustainable Settlements) were among winners at the event, which thanked community groups and individual volunteers, for outstanding contribution towards improving the environment.

Greenwood Partnership board chairman, Coun John Knight, of Notts County Council, presented the awards. He said: “We are pleased to be able to recognise volunteers who work year in, year out to make ours such a beautiful county.”

Nominations had been received from groups and organisations for environmental work carried out over the last year working towards the creation of Greenwood, Nottinghamshire’s community forest.

Ray Hallam was named as winner of a Senior Volunteer Award. He is a long standing member of the Friends of King’s Mill Reservoir and has worked tirelessly to help maintain, conserve and protect his beloved reservoir.

ACCESS won the Conservation Volunteer Group Award. It is a volunteer-led residents’ group that supports the community on the western flank of the ancient Sherwood Forest.

Since its creation approximately six years ago, by a group of local residents led by Peter Olko, the group has been instrumental in establishing a number of initiatives that have enhanced the lives of local people.

More than 140 guests enjoyed a review of achievements by volunteers and organisations presented by Friends of Gedling Country Park’s Rod Fillingham, chairman of the Friends of Greenwood Community Forum.