A celebration of one of the best examples of the contribution volunteers make to a town anywhere in the country, took place at a ceremony on Saturday, October 10th.

Lady Darnley, as the representative of Her Majesty the Queen, presented the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to Ross Juniors Football Club in honour of the hard work and commitment shown by the volunteers who run the Club.

HM Lord-Lieutenant for Herefordshire, The Countess of Darnley, made the formal presentation to the club. She said that the Club should be very proud as many organisations apply for this honour but few receive it. She said:?“You are a credit to Herefordshire.”

She also told the young players who formed a guard of honour to welcome her, to think about everything the volunteers have done for them. She said the best way to repay them would be to volunteer when they are older. “This is the best way to say thank you,” she added.

The award, which is the group equivalent of an MBE for an individual, is given in recognition of the countless volunteer hours hundreds of people have spent supporting the club. However, as it was explained in speeches by Major Patrick Darling, Paul Deneen and Martin Hudson, there is more to Ross Juniors FC than just playing football.

Read the full story in this week’s Ross Gazette