More than 600 volunteers for local charity Hospiscare enjoyed a tea party at Powderham castle to celebrate winning the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The celebration was held at Powderham thanks to Lady Devon who is an ambassador for the charity and was hosted by Hospiscare’s patron Lady Clifford of Chudleigh.
Each volunteer received a special badge featuring the coveted emblem of the Queen’s Award which was officially presented to charity volunteers in June.
Hospiscare has nearly 1,000 volunteers who together contribute one million pounds worth of effort each year – helping patients and their families across Exeter, mid and east Devon.
The Powderham guests were treated to a tour of the castle along with music by pianist and volunteer John Allison and a string quartet from the Exeter Symphony Orchestra.
Hospiscare staff turned the tables by volunteering to serve the tea and cakes .
Lady Clifford, in congratulating the guests, said: “ I am so immensely proud of our wonderful volunteers and I would like to thank each and every one of you... Hospiscare literally could not operate without your support for patients and their families in the in-patient unit, in people’s homes, by fundraising, helping in the shops and by guiding the charity as trustees.”
Afterwards volunteers said how much they had enjoyed the party.
“It was a very special day which made us proud to be part of such a wonderful group,” said volunteer Bobbie Reynolds.
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