Volunteers at Nottinghamshire-based Framework Knitters Museum have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) 2023.
The award recognises and celebrates outstanding work of local volunteer groups across the UK. Local assessors came together to research and visit the museum before nominating and putting volunteers forward for approval by His Majesty the King.
Over the past 50 years, volunteers at the Framework Knitters Museum and other local supporting groups – such as the Ruddington Gardeners and Nature in Mind – have given their time and effort to save a unique group of historic buildings that were earmarked for demolition. Turning them into a vibrant museum community, which not only reveals important stories about the industrial heritage of the region but actively engages and encourages people to develop skills in a variety of textile craft activities.
Ian Rowson, chair of trustees at the museum, said: “The achievement of this award is something that the wider community, but particularly our amazing volunteers, can feel immensely proud of.
“I’d like to thank each and every one of our volunteers, for their contribution towards making the Framework Knitters Museum what it is today, this award is true testament to their dedication and commitment.”
The museum currently has around 50 volunteers, some of which have been volunteering for over 10 years, including Declan Smith who is one of the museum’s newest volunteers and joined following his retirement.
Declan said: “I love volunteering at the museum, it’s a chance for me to get out the house and chat to new friends, and I love feeling useful again. Without the volunteers, the museum just wouldn’t be able to open its doors – the community, culture, education and history would be lost.
“Through volunteering I have gained a new found confidence and a sense of purpose I desperately needed. I would encourage anyone to offer your help to a charity you are keen on, as little or as much time as you can spare – you won’t regret it!”
For more information about the Framework Knitters Museum, please visit: https://frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/ or visit the museum’s Facebook and Instagram pages #fwkmuseum.
Posted on 15 May 2024
