Prestigious award for village centre run by volunteers

A café, internet hub and education centre in Fernhurst has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
Fernhurst Centre has been awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2020. Watermarked with paulgregoryphotography.co.uk SUS-200528-124205001Fernhurst Centre has been awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2020. Watermarked with paulgregoryphotography.co.uk SUS-200528-124205001
Fernhurst Centre has been awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2020. Watermarked with paulgregoryphotography.co.uk SUS-200528-124205001

The Fernhurst Centre is one of just 230 charities and volunteer groups to receive the prestigious award this year and there will be a presentation with Mrs Susan Pyper, Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex.

The centre, established in 2003, is well known for its outstanding IT tuition and offers classes on a wide range of subjects from foreign languages to floristry and family history.

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Antonia Plant, trustee, explained: “There is no doubt the secret of the Fernhurst Centre’s success lies in its band of over 40 dedicated volunteers, including the tutors, managers, counter staff, administrators and trustees who give the centre its unique friendly and welcoming appeal.”

Fernhurst Centre has been awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2020 SUS-200528-124247001Fernhurst Centre has been awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2020 SUS-200528-124247001
Fernhurst Centre has been awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2020 SUS-200528-124247001

Refurbished in 2016, it is a popular meeting place for all ages with its state of the art coffee machine and delicious refreshments, free talks and a book and DVD library as well as a host of toys for young visitors to play with.

Voluntary manager Pauline Colcutt said: “Our volunteers are the backbone of the centre’s service. They come from the local community and each person brings his or her personal approach and enthusiasm to their role. We are delighted that their contribution has been recognised in this very special way and we cannot wait to celebrate with the volunteer team once we are able to re-open the centre.”

The centre has a fully equipped training room suitable for business meetings and interviews and hosts CAB weekly drop in sessions. Details of activities and courses are available at www. fernhurstcentre.org.uk.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

Fernhurst Centre has been awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2020 SUS-200528-124226001Fernhurst Centre has been awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2020 SUS-200528-124226001
Fernhurst Centre has been awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2020 SUS-200528-124226001
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