Padiham on Parade to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

Established in 2015, Padiham on Parade aims to bring together veterans, cadets and supporting military associations within the town. The aim is to encourage the general public to become aware of and involved in commemorating Armed Forces Week by way of a remembrance service and a 1940s themed weekend.

Chairman, Ida Carmichael, said: “I am delighted that our group’s work has been recognised. This is quite an achievement, considering that during the initial set up of our group we were hit by the Padiham Floods of 2015 which affected the town centre, but we continued with our plans and I pay tribute to the hard work and commitment of all our volunteers.”

Padiham on Parade is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2024 marks the second year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. Representatives of Padiham on Parade will receive the award crystal and certificate from Lord-Lieutenant Amanda Parker, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire. In addition, two volunteers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2025.