The New Neighbours Together Burnley volunteer team, both past and present, got together today to celebrate receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Michael Hewitt, chair of the board of trustees, handed out commemorative pin badges to all volunteers in recognition of their service.

Our volunteers were thrilled to be able to celebrate this huge achievement together. A highlight of the meeting being Ruth Haygarth, chief executive officer, reading out a poem she had written about receiving the award. Thanks Ruth for all that you do!

We’ve got the Crown on our stationery

How on earth can that be?

I didn’t think it could happen

To you and to me!

But we’re New Neighbours Together

We are friends, so you see

Perhaps it can happen

To you and to me?

It’s the love in our hearts

It’s the smile on our face

For the stranger we welcome

Share our lives in this place

We’ve got the crown on our stationery

I’m as proud as can be

When we all stand together

It’s for you and for me.

And the celebrations continue: on Saturday 18 June at our Afternoon Tea from Around the World event, organised in partnership with Burnley Youth Theatre and Arts Council England funding. Join us as we celebrate our award… and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.