Lucy Frazer MP welcomed nominees of her South East Cambridgeshire Volunteer Awards to the Palace of Westminster on April 20 to thank them for their contribution to the local community. 

The awards scheme, which opened on December 5 to coincide with International Volunteer Day, prompted 63 nominations by nine different voluntary groups and organisation across the constituency. 

They were Milton Covid-19 support group, Voluntary Community Action East Cambridgeshire, Petals, Salvation Army, Girlguiding Cambridgeshire East County, Beaches Community Car Service, Lighthouse Centre, Ely Foodbank and All In Sound. 

During the reception, nominees were invited to share their experiences as volunteers, and were each given a certificate of recognition for their efforts. 

Ely Standard: Lucy Frazer MP welcomed nominees of her South East Cambridgeshire Volunteer Awards to the Palace of Westminster on April 20 to thank them for their contribution to the local community. Lucy Frazer MP welcomed nominees of her South East Cambridgeshire Volunteer Awards to the Palace of Westminster on April 20 to thank them for their contribution to the local community. (Image: Lucy Frazer's office)

The Prime Minister also thanked them through an on-screen message for making an “incredible difference to our communities”. 

The winner on the night was Miriam Day for her lifelong service to the Salvation Army and recent support for the Waterbeach Warm Hub. 

Voluntary Community Action East Cambrigeshire and Beaches Car Service were also recognised for their services to local people. 

The evening rounded off with a tour of the historic parliamentary estate, including the House of Commons debating chamber, Members’ Lobby, and Westminster Hall. 

MP for South East Cambridgeshire, Lucy Frazer, said: “Volunteers play such a crucial role in our local communities by helping those in need and bringing people together, but they often do not get the recognition they deserve. 

“That is why it was a pleasure to be able to welcome so many from my constituency into parliament and to encourage them to persevere with their important work.”