Parish project in Diocese of Salford receives royal recognition for voluntary service

Volunteers from a parish community project in Oldham have been granted the Kings Award for Voluntary Service.

The Bee Together Community Centre and Garden, based at the Parish of the Nativity in Failsworth and Limeside, is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups to receive the award this year – the highest a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and the equivalent to an MBE.

Although no strangers to awards, having also just scooped its third North West in Bloom Award in as many years, the small but dedicated group are delighted to receive this latest accolade.

Pauline Riley, parishioner and parish coordinator, said: “We’re beyond delighted to have been granted this prestigious award, it’s such an honour.

“Our parish set out on a small garden project in 2019 and it’s just been amazing to see how it has grown and developed to become a real hub for our community, welcoming volunteers and visitors of all faiths and none from across the area.”

In just five short years, a team of about a dozen volunteers have transformed a disused, overgrown space into a beautiful community garden, providing a habitat for local wildlife, nurturing homegrown produce to be donated to local families and foodbanks, forging valuable education links with local schools, and more.

The addition of the Community Centre has also provided a place for people to find friendship and build connections through its weekly Cuppa Club, while its Pantry Service distributes food to people in need of a helping hand across the community.

Volunteers are also on hand to help with emergency furniture, assistance with school applications, and signposting to different agencies or charities that can offer further support.

Canon Michael Job, parish priest at the Parish of the Nativity, explained how at its heart, the project seeks to encourage a rebuilding of relationship with each other and the world around us.

He said: “Our project began five years ago in response to a call from Pope Francis to better care for community and common home.

“Step-by-step, we’ve come together to put our faith into action, to consider the needs of the world around us and how we could use the skills and resources we have to promote a culture of friendship, fraternity, and fairness for creation and all people.”

Representatives of the Bee Together Community Centre and Garden will receive the award crystal and certificate from the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins, in due course, before two volunteers will be invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace next summer.

Sue Cobley, a volunteer with at Bee Together, said: “It’s just fantastic news. I don’t go to church here but my neighbour told me about it and I could see and appreciate that it was good for the community.

“It’s so peaceful and chilled, a very rewarding experience. I feel like I am giving something back to the community and that feels good!”