THE amazing volunteers from Ainsdale In Bloom have been awarded the prestigious King’s Award For Voluntary Service.

This special accolade was presented by Merseyside Lord Lieutenant Peter Oliver OBE on behalf of King Charles III at the FPC Financial offices in Ainsdale Village in Southport.

Under the leadership of Brenda Porter, the group has helped to transform Ainsdale in recent years, bringing real civic pride and attracting new local businesses to invest and open. 

Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the Award shines a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups across the nation.

Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.

Other special guests at the ceremony to show their support and appreciation for Ainsdale in Bloom in attendance included Dr Nicolas Jedynakiewicz DL; Hazel Snell DL; Colonel Mark Underhill OBE DL; Helen Tanzey; Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns; Deputy Sefton Council Leader Cllr Paulette Lappin; Sefton Council Chief Executive Officer Philip Porter; Southport Royal British Legion President Serena Silcock-Prince; FPC Managing Partner Moira O’Shaughnessy; and others.

It was a celebratory day for a voluntary group which does a huge amount of work to make Ainsdale and Southport a better place for all.

Ainsdale In Bloom Chair Brenda Porter said:- “What an honour! What a day. We wanted this event to take place in our Village as this huge honour is for Ainsdale. We wanted everyone there but this was not possible. We did have several representatives from within our community making it an Ainsdale Day. This only happened with huge support from the Financial Planning Corporation which hosted the whole event and how impressive it was - they did Ainsdale proud. Special special thanks to FPC Managing Partner Moira O’Shaughnessy and Amanda you are amazing thank you. Graysons provided a banquet fit for a King which everyone enjoyed including all our dignitaries. It was outstanding. Thank you for this support on our special day as you give to us throughout the year. Our wish for it to take place in Ainsdale was so important to us. It was fully supported, and all our dignitaries made this possible."

Brenda continued:- “His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant Peter Oliver OBE made the occasion, together with Dr Nicolas Jedynakiewicz and Hazell Snell, so very special such kindness and wanting to be with us in Ainsdale.. and not forgetting all the work of the Lieutenancy Clerk Helen Tanzey you made it so enjoyable thank you. Lovely as ever to meet our Madam Mayor Cllr June Burns and Cllr Paulette Lappin together with the Chief Executive Philip Porter who represented Sefton Council, they were very welcome. Our guests, so very special from our local community, thank you for sharing our special day and representing those who were not there. How lucky are we, thank you. We were delighted to welcome Serena Silcock-Prince who is not only a special friend but the Southport President of Royal British Legion whom we are working with to refurbish our Village Roundabout. Together with my team while our volunteering is never for personal gain this award is very much appreciated and valued and represents Ainsdale itself. It is such an honour and specifically mentions the enhancement and feel of our Village and supporting businesses and that is all about community. Thank you Ainsdale for all your ongoing support, you made this award possible.”

Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver OBE said:- “Ainsdale in Bloom received their King's Award for Voluntary Service, on a beautiful spring day with ample evidence of their beautiful planters. But Ainsdale in Bloom does much more than planting beautiful flowers which lift people's spirits; they work with local institutions specialising in mental health and those with SEND, helping everyone to flourish and value living in Ainsdale. This small group of 12 volunteers has worked for ten years to reach their current position and this award is truly deserved. Many congratulations to Brenda Porter and all of the volunteers and the organisations who were here who have helped them along the way.”

FPC Managing Partner Moira O’Shaughnessy said:- “Huge congratulations to all the Ainsdale in Bloom team and thank you for all you do to improve the lives of our community. We were privileged to host the Lord Lieutenant and team at our offices for the awards ceremony. Brenda Porter is an absolute inspiration to me personally - resilient, determined, inclusive and oh so kind.”