An award-winning Mirfield charity has been formally presented with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest official recognition a voluntary group in the UK can receive, equivalent to an MBE.
The presentation took place at Shepley Bridge Marina, capping off a milestone year as the charity celebrates 30 years of service to the local community.
The Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Prof Adeeba Malik CBE, officially presented the crystal and certificate to the Safe Anchor Trust team.
The royal accolade recognises the charity’s outstanding three-decade history of providing free, therapeutic canal boat trips on the Calder and Hebble Navigation for disadvantaged groups, including those facing physical or mental disabilities, social isolation, and economic deprivation.
It also honours the vital work of the charity’s environmental team, who volunteer year-round to maintain the local locks and surrounding waterways.
The formal ceremony brought together volunteers, supporters and key regional representatives, including Spen Valley MP Kim Leadbeater, the Mayor of Mirfield Clr Sean Guy, and Clr Stuart Naisbett.
Following the presentation, official guests stepped aboard the charity’s fleet for a short canal trip, which was followed by a celebratory community lunch and raffle at the marina to thank the 100% volunteer-run team.
Kevin Musgrave, chairman of the Safe Anchor Trust, said: “It is absolutely fantastic recognition of the 30 years of dedication and hard work of a lot of people.”
As an entirely self-funded charity relying completely on volunteers, this royal honour belongs strictly to the team and the community that has supported the fleet and environmental projects since day one.
