Ainsdale Civic Society celebrates prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service

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Ainsdale Civic Society has been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest recognition for voluntary groups in the UK. The award celebrates outstanding contribution to the local community and commitment to volunteer-led initiatives.

Formed in 2000, Ainsdale Civic Society has dedicated the past 24-years to making Ainsdale station a welcoming and vibrant space by undertaking many projects to improve life in their community.

Over the years the team of volunteers have led a whole raft of improvements to their community station including.

  • Planting and maintaining of floral displays at the station, including sensory planters featuring fragrant herbs and aromatic plants.

  • Adding large pieces of community art at the entrance to the station showcasing local flora and fauna.

  • Displaying artwork from the local primary schools on banners at the station.

  • A community library has also been set up in both waiting areas on the station platforms for residents and Merseyrail customers to enjoy.

The award was presented in a ceremony conducted by Lord-Lieutenant Mark Blundell, the King’s Representative for Merseyside, accompanied by his Deputy Lieutenants. Honoured guests included Chief Executive of Sefton Council, Phil Porter, Leader of the Council, Councillor Marion Atkinson and Sally Ralston BEM, Head of Community and Engagement at Merseyrail.

Tony Brough, Chairman of Ainsdale Civic Society, praised the volunteers:

“Our members are honoured to receive this most prestigious award from His Majesty King Charles III. The award process required us to submit evidence of our work and attend an interview with two of His Majesty’s Deputy Lord Lieutenants who wanted to learn more of our activity than could be recorded on the formal inquiry documents. I am very proud of our members, who, guided by our Executive Team, encourage and support everything that the Society does – the award is in recognition of their effort and service to our community.”

Merseyrail, which nominated Ainsdale Civic Society for the award, has been a key supporter of the charity’s community initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Sally Ralston BEM, Head of Community and Engagement at Merseyrail commented:

“Merseyrail is committed to supporting the communities we serve, and we are delighted to see Ainsdale Civic Society receive this well-deserved recognition. They play a vital role in bringing the community together whilst celebrating the history of Ainsdale and its people. Their volunteers are an inspiration, and we are proud to have been part of their journey to this fantastic achievement.