A KIDDERMINSTER and Stourport organisation has received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) – the highest accolade a voluntary group can get.
The award for The Wheely Different Theatre Company is the group-equivalent of an MBE.
They are one of only 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.
Wheely Different, a group of volunteers, provide performance opportunities for adults who need extra support due to differing abilities and are well known for their creative and inspiring productions. Their productions and workshops aim to help improve confidence and self esteem through the power of dance and drama.
The group leader, Elaine Kirby is a qualified ParaDance UK wheelchair and ParaDance instructor and a Keep Fit Association (KFA) teacher.
Elaine specialises in exercise for disabled adults and last year was honoured to receive a KFA Volunteer Teacher of the Year Award 2023. Her daughter Eleanor Mouzer holds a degree in Performing Arts and oversees Wheely Different’s drama productions.
Elaine said: ”I am so delighted the work of the group has been recognised.
“Although it is free to join us, part of the membership is on the basis that you are a team player and we all work hard to meet our aims.
“Without the volunteers working together, the show would not go on. This award is tribute to all their effort. Both Eleanor and myself could not be prouder of what everyone has achieved so far.”
The Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Mrs Beatrice Grant will present the Wheely Different Theatre Company with their award crystal and certificate.
On the award winners and the recognition received, she said it was wonderful the group had been recognised for the work they did and the differences they made to their local communities.
“They are both truly inspirational, and I look forward to seeing them to present them with their award in the near future.”
Two volunteers from each group will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
Recipients are announced annually on November 14, The King’s Birthday.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the Award.
To nominate a voluntary organisation which goes above and beyond, please contact the Worcestershire Lieutenancy at [email protected] or visit the King’s Award for Voluntary Service website.
