Friends of Hadlow Road Station (FHRS) were formally presented with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) crystal and certificate on Friday, 29 May 2026 during a special ceremony at Hadlow Road Station in Willaston, Wirral.
The presentation was made by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, Lady Alexis Redmond, in recognition of the group’s outstanding contribution to preserving and enhancing the historic station.
Volunteers past and present gathered for the occasion, celebrating the dedication and hard work that has helped secure the station’s future for generations to come.
The presentation party included Lady Alexis Redmond, two Deputy Lieutenants who were involved in the award assessment process, and their spouses.
Friends of Hadlow Road Station Recognised for 12 Years of Community Work
The award recognises more than 12 years of volunteer effort restoring and maintaining the station building, both inside and out, while also developing the platform gardens and surrounding areas.
Throughout this time, the group has worked closely with local residents and the wider community, transforming the station from a neglected site into a thriving community asset.
Following the presentation, guests enjoyed tea, cake and specially made train-shaped shortbread in the nearby Memorial Hall.
Friends of Hadlow Road Station was officially announced as a recipient of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service on 14 November 2025.
Often described as the equivalent of an MBE for volunteer groups, it is the highest honour that can be awarded to a local voluntary organisation in the UK.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service: The Highest Honour for Volunteer
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises exceptional volunteer groups that make a significant difference within their communities.
Established in 2002 to mark the Golden Jubilee of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the award continues under the reign of His Majesty The King. The 2025 awards marked the third year of the scheme under its current title.
Paul T Cox, Chair of Friends of Hadlow Road Station, said:
“I am incredibly proud that Friends of Hadlow Road Station has received this prestigious award. It is recognition of the dedication, energy, commitment and countless hours given by our volunteers, both past and present.
“It also reflects the wonderful support we receive from our customers, the artists who attend our pop-up cafés in all weather conditions, and the local and wider communities who visit the station and enjoy the environment we work hard to maintain.”
One volunteer said:
“Everyone at FHRS feels honoured to have received The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
“We know that many outstanding volunteer groups were considered for this award, which makes the recognition even more special.
“We are incredibly proud to be part of Friends of Hadlow Road Station, past, present and into the future.
“Receiving such a prestigious award from The King is a tremendous honour, and it is wonderful to see the hard work of so many people recognised.
“We have all been looking forward to the formal presentation.
“As part of the celebrations, our former chair and his wife were invited to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace last week, which was a fantastic experience and a great honour.”
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