Three dedicated volunteer groups in Bedford earn top award from the King

They include The John Bunyan Museum & Library, The Friends of Bedford Cemetery (Foster Hill Road) and Azalea.

The accolade is the highest UK honour for local volunteer groups, equivalent to an MBE, awarded annually on November 14. It recognises outstanding volunteer‑led organisations that make a significant positive impact in their communities.

The award to John Bunyan Museum & Library followed a detailed investigation by three Deputy Lord Lieutenants, into how the team functions and whether the museum meets all national criteria including safeguarding, GDPR, financial accuracy and sustainability.

The volunteers, led by museum director, Nicola Sherhod and interim curator Elisha Breed, are involved in all aspects of running the museum: welcoming and engaging with visitors, leading guided tours and group visits, producing rotas, running the museum shop and children’s holiday activities.

Every year the museum welcomes around 5,000 local, national and international visitors of all ages and backgrounds, or off-site through outreach, including schools, families and community groups. Th volunteers keep nearly 400 years of the history of John Bunyan and Bunyan Meeting alive for people around the world.

The judges were very impressed with the way museum director Nicola had empowered and encouraged the volunteers to take an active and meaningful role in the life of the museum, for the benefit of the volunteers and the museum.

Cherry Protheroe, chairperson of the John Bunyan Museum & Library said: “This is fantastic news for our museum and I am delighted for all involved, it is very well deserved.”

Volunteers also assist with the care of the internationally important collection including the library and sitting on the museum committee overseeing the running of the museum. With a range of ages and backgrounds, the volunteers bring different skills, experiences and enthusiasms to the role.

The Friends of Bedford Cemetery (Foster Hill Road) have also been awarded King’s Award For Voluntary Service.

Through exceptional dedication, they have restored and safeguarded the Victorian cemetery while creating an invaluable archive of local heritage, meticulously researching, mapping and digitising over 100,000 burial records.

Their work has helped countless families reconnect with their history supported education and community engagement, and turned a once-neglected space into a welcoming place for remembrance, learning and wellbeing. Entirely volunteer-led, the organisation combines historical expertise, environmental stewardship and community service of the highest quality.

By preserving the stories, identities and heritage of generations of Bedford people, the Friends have made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the county and are richly deserving recipients of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Chairperson Caroline Jones, Chairperson of TFBC said: “We are absolutely delighted that our group has been recognised with this prestigious award.

“Our amazing volunteers protect, celebrate and share the rich history, heritage and stunning landscape of Bedford Cemetery (Foster Hill Road). This award is a wonderful recognition of their hard work, dedication and commitment over the past 26 years.

“We are incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together and would like to thank everyone who has supported us along the way.”

Azalea is a volunteer-led charity that has transformed the lives of women affected by sexual exploitation, sex trafficking and modern slavery across Luton and Bedford. Through its flagship Encompass programme, dedicated volunteers provide compassionate outreach, practical support and trauma-informed recovery services, helping women move towards safety, stability and independence.

Its innovative Flint project also uses trained volunteer mentors to support men seeking to break free from the cycle of purchasing sex and develop healthier relationships. Working closely with the police, local authorities and safeguarding partners, Azalea’ volunteers operate in some of the most challenging circumstances imaginable, demonstrating exceptional commitment, professionalism and care. Their unwavering dedication has made a profound difference to vulnerable individuals and communities, making Azalea a truly deserving recipient of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Ruth Robb, Co-Founder and chief executive of Azalea, said: “We are absolutely delighted and humbled to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This recognition belongs to every volunteer who has walked alongside all facing the impact of Modern Slavery - sexual exploitation.

For nearly two decades, volunteers have been at the heart of Azalea’s work, demonstrating extraordinary dedication, courage, and approachability. They have given their time, skills, prayers, and dedication to help all rebuild their lives and discover a future free from Modern Slavery- sexual exploitation.

“This award shines a light on the dedication of our volunteers. We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers, donors and communities who make this vital work possible. Receiving The King’s Award empowers us to continue serving with dedication, empathy and faith as we seek to see lives restored and communities transformed.”

Signed certificates from the King, will be presented by the Lord-Lieutenant for Bedfordshire, Mrs Susan Lousada.