Transcript for Sir Martyn Lewis QAVS 2022 awards video

[Sir Martyn Lewis CBE is shown facing the camera]

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service champions the outstanding work of groups of volunteers working at grassroots level in their local community – and this year is no exception.

I am always astounded by the work people undertake and the compassion they show to people and places in the villages, towns and cities where they live.

These organisations are invaluable. 

Whether they provide a listening ear [older men are shown chatting about historic books], expert advice [a firefighter is shown at a fire scene] or activities to benefit the environment [we see volunteers working in a garden; a lady in a striped t-shirt, two men chatting and then a bearded man smiling at the camera] – they all enrich people’s lives in a very important way. 

I want to pay tribute to all 244 recipients of this special accolade this year. They are honoured by the highest award given to such groups – the equivalent of an MBE. 

As life returns to normal there are still many challenges people face – but also things to celebrate. [scenes of volunteers packing crates of food, two female volunteers putting shopping in the back of their cars]

I hope the recipients of this year’s award can take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact they have made – and feel proud of all they do.

From Newquay Orchard, a seven acre community space in the centre of Newquay, created and cared for by over 600 volunteers. [arial scene of the orchard, then a sequence of 5 individual volunteers smiling into the camera, including one with special needs].

To Spice Village Uplyft who are supporting vulnerable people with home cooked meals and changing their lives through training, placements, and career opportunities [scenes of volunteers in an industrial kitchen preparing large quantities of pasta].

In Northern Ireland, Knockmany Running Club is empowering all generations to get active. [A large group of people stand in woodland dressed in running kit]

In Wales, Cymru Creations specialise in bringing history themed community projects to life. [we see the group’s social media posts online with images of their many activities]

While in Scotland, the Cromar Future Group runs the award winning Everything Electronics Youth Club, supporting its local primary schools with science activities, and holding an annual science festival. [A child sits in a classroom soldering part of an electronics circuit board].

[Sir Martyn Lewis speaks to the camera again]. These are just a few examples of the wide range of organisations recognised this year – and every year. [There is a montage of scenes of volunteers on the screen including a fire fighter, people preparing meals, children in a classroom, older people looking at books and people running].

[Sir Martyn Lewis speaks to the camera again]. Your work – driven as it is by volunteers – sets an amazing example to others.  I congratulate all of you ,receiving a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.   And, who knows what nominated groups will be awarded this accolade NEXT year. Have a think about the outstanding voluntary organisations in your area and get nominating! 

[The video closes with a purple and white animation showing the award logo with a crown and the words The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service]