As part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the John Bunyan Community Boat, a completely volunteer-run group in Bedford, has been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
Launched in 2013, the John Bunyan Community Boat is run as a social enterprise by Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Enterprises Ltd and is managed by a committee and crew of volunteers – from cabin crew to land-based sales, marketing and admin roles.
It has carried 45,000 passengers since its launch and funds raised by the boat are used to provide affordable public cruises on the River Great Ouse and surplus profits from both special and charter cruises are donated to The Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust.
The John Bunyan Community Boat is one of 244 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.
Their work, along with others from across the UK, is a reminder of all the ways in which fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.
Representatives of the John Bunyan Community Boat will receive the award crystal and certificate from Helen Nellis, Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, later this summer and two of the organisation’s volunteers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2023.
Graham Mabbutt, former Chair of the John Bunyan’s Management Group said: “I was delighted to hear we’ve been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is a great recognition of the hard work of our volunteers, who work to run a wonderful boat service for the people of Bedford and surrounding area.
“I would like to personally congratulate the volunteers for all their work over the past few years which has led to the success of the John Bunyan Boat”.
