Mirfield charity presented with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
A charity, celebrating 30 years of service to the local community, has been formally presented with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
The Safe Anchor Trust received the award - the highest official recognition a voluntary group in the UK can receive and the equivalent to an MBE - in an official presentation at its Shepley Bridge Marina home in Mirfield on Saturday, July 11.
HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Professor Adeeba Malik CBE, officially presented the crystal and certificate to the Safe Anchor Trust team.
The accolade recognises the charity’s outstanding three-decade history of providing free, therapeutic canal boat trips on the Calder and Hebble Navigation for disadvantaged groups. These include those facing physical or mental disabilities, social isolation, and economic deprivation.
It also honours the vital work of the charity’s environmental team, who volunteer year-round to maintain the local locks and surrounding waterways.
The formal ceremony brought together volunteers, supporters, and key regional representatives, including Spen Valley MP Kim Leadbeater, the mayor of Mirfield, councillor Sean Guy, and councillor Stewart Naisbett.
Kevin Musgrave, chairman of the Safe Anchor Trust, said: “It is absolutely fantastic recognition of the 30 years of dedication and hard work of a lot of people.
“As an entirely self-funded charity relying completely on volunteers, this royal honour belongs strictly to the team and the community that has supported the fleet and environmental projects since day one.”
Following the presentation, official guests stepped aboard the charity’s fleet for a short canal trip, which was followed by a celebratory community lunch and raffle at the marina to thank the volunteers.