Please see our 'News' page for details of the wonderful award ceremony held on Friday 26th June.  Truly a day to remember.

What formed an important part of the day were the kind words shared by Emily Marten-Price (as read by Alan Bridge), David Robinson, Colwall Parish Council, David Armitage from Malvern Hills National Landscape, and Aron Williams, Colwall Youth Project.  I have pleasure in sharing these with you plus copies of the excellent speech by Jenny. Papettas, and a short welcome speech by my goodself!  

Colwall Orchard Group! This is a special place, with special people. It started with a special idea – to revive the local heritage of traditional orchards in this area which could not only provide food for local people, but which would regenerate biodiverse habitats for wildlife to thrive. 

A particular focus was the Noble Chafer Beetle. An iridescent green beetle which lives in traditional orchards where the larvae live in the decaying wood of fruit trees and the adults feed on umbellifers growing in traditionally manages swards. Today commercial orchards are grown intensively and the trees are grubbed up and replanted over a relatively short cycle so that there is no decaying wood to support the life cycle of the beetle. Swards are sprayed with herbicides and insecticides and lacking in many of the plants which once would have been prevalent, so that the adults have less to feed on. The Noble Chafer Beetle is now increasingly rare - you have been lucky if you have seen one!

With the number of traditional orchards in Colwall in decline and with the remaining orchards coming to the end of their lives, Helen Stace and Tim Dixon, the founders of COG, took action. They formed Colwall Orchard Group and with a band of committed volunteers, in 2008, they started work to survey local orchards for wildlife and to then work to restore the remaining traditional orchards in Colwall, working in Snatford Orchard and Stamps Orchard, amongst others, reducing mistletoe burdens and carrying out restorative pruning of the trees. 

The project took a big step, when, in 2011, following a successful crowdfunding campaign, the group managed to raise enough money to purchase what is now Colwall Village Garden. At the time this was simply a field with a run down apple packing shed. The group set to work marking out allotments, planting the orchard trees – including a children’s orchard. Hedges were planted, fences were installed, the beginnings of a wildflower meadow was established, the apple packing shed was refurbished, providing a place for education and training, as well as a place to process all of the produce that followed on from everyone’s efforts. Over the years a composting loo was installed, as well as a pond and the cob oven, so that the site began to resemble what we see today. Traditional celebrations were introduced to mark the success of the project and bringing the community together, with the very popular Wassail in January and Apple Day in October. 

Many people have had a hand in the work. Obviously, we start with Tim and Helen and the founding volunteers. It is wonderful that so many of the founding group are still here with us today - Deb, Lawrence, Martin, Andrew, Bella, Carol, John and Kath. There are others too. Many others have joined along the way, including our current Chair Lindsay. There have been a variety of trustees over the years who have given their time to oversee the work of COG, doing a lot of behind the scenes work to keep the organisation running – unglamourous tasks like accounting and book keeping, health and safety, securing funding through grants and organising our regular work party sessions on Friday mornings.  The project has received the help and support of many organisations including from Colwall Parish Council, Herefordshire Meadows, Colwall Rotary and Malvern Hills National Landscape as well as all of our members and a number of generous private donors. We have also worked with great individuals who have helped the project along, including Steve Stanford and Marie Therese King. 

In 2016 COG was able to purchase another site at Luggs Mill and so the project was able to expand further with the creation of a further orchard and wildflower meadow. And once this was done we turned our attention to the creation of more traditional orchards on other peoples’ land – expanding the vision even further. Today we manage our own orchards, meadows and hedgerows, we make apple juice, honey, apple cider vinegar and sometimes jam and chutney, we offer planting and pruning for local traditional orchards, we give help and advice to landowners on the creation and maintenance of orchards, meadows and traditionally managed hedgerows. We are engaged with local schools – the Downs and The Elms and especially Colwall Primary School - helping young children experience the wonder of growing food in a species rich landscape. We run training and education for our volunteers, members and young people locally, who can learn about an amazing number of things including orchards (obviously), hedge laying, hay making, apple juicing, wildlife and habitat creation, woodworking, wreath making, vegetable growing and so much more!! 

COG is remarkable, it is a community, built by a community, for the community, restoring important habitat, reviving and teaching traditional skills. It is a place which links us to our local history and heritage. A place where we nurture and learn about wildlife and nature. An inclusive place for everyone and somewhere we should all be so proud to belong. 

BUILDING A COMMUNITY - David Robinson

You will all know my fellow councillor John Stock. John has been a very active councillor for many years and in 2024 approached the council to propose that we nominate Colwall Orchard Group for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service as many people in the village had expressed a wish to find a way to give public recognition to what COG does for our local environment and our local community.

The PC was in full support for the application but it quickly became clear that as we had a working relationship with COG and Lindsay, we could not be the nominees. At this point John agreed to take the application forward as an individual.

Aside

The Parish Council and the Head of Colwall C of E Primary School provided the letters of support, summarizing the outstanding achievements of the Colwall Orchard Group in establishing allotments, the village garden, restoration and maintenance of traditional orchards meadows and highway verges, collaborative work with local organisations including the PC on projects such as the parish hedgerow survey, education, training and awareness programmes and local events, I mention these quickly in passing but you could write a book on the detail and scope of your activities.

As our support letter said “the magnitude and impact of COG’s work, as well as its importance for the local community would truly be difficult to overstate” and yet this has all been achieved entirely through volunteering. Whatever you view may be of what Britain stand for today, surely this demonstrates that it remains a country of volunteering. Volunteering is good for building a community but it is also of great benefit for the individuals who take part.

I’ve no doubt there are many towns and villages in the UK who would love to have an organisation such as yours and benefit from the work, skills and dedication of its members, and the King’s Award for Voluntary Service is justly deserved recognition of that effort and commitment.

On behalf of the council and the parish of Colwall I offer you my sincere congratulations, you are an inspiration and you should rightfully be proud of your award.

 SOWING SEEDS FOR THE FUTURE - Aron Williams

At Colwall Youth Project, we often get asked what young people need to thrive.

There’s an old saying that it takes a village to raise a child.  For us, that isn’t just a saying. It’s something we see every day.

We’re a charity built on community. Through youth work, mentoring, wellbeing support, and informal education, we help young people find confidence, belonging, hope, and a sense of purpose.

Because no young person should have to grow up believing they are alone.

The truth is that no charity can create that community on its own. It takes parents, schools, volunteers, local organisations, and community groups all playing their part.

Colwall Orchard Group is a wonderful example of that village in action.

Through their support, young people have been able to spend time outdoors, learn practical life skills, pick apples, press juice, connect with nature, and experience the kind of community that helps people grow.

Those moments might seem simple, but they matter. They create confidence, belonging, and connection.

So on behalf of everyone at Colwall Youth Project, and especially the young people whose lives you have touched, thank you.

This award recognises the contribution Colwall Orchard Group has made to our community. But perhaps the greatest impact can be seen in the young people who feel more connected, more valued, and more hopeful because of that support.

Just as an orchard is planted not for today but for the generations that follow, every investment in a young person plants a seed for the future.

Congratulations on this incredibly well deserved recognition, and thank you for helping create a community where young people can put down roots, grow strong, and know they belong.

THE TRUE LEGACY OF PARTNERSHIP  Emily Marten Price

It is a real privilege to speak today about the partnership between COG and Colwall Primary School and Nursery, and the extraordinary impact this collaboration has had on our children and wider school community.

Over the years, we have worked together on many wonderful projects — planting fruit trees on the school grounds, running apple juice workshops, taking trips to the meadow to explore wildflowers, and creating Orchard School, a dedicated programme of workshops and practical skills for our Year 6 pupils. These are just a few examples of what has been achieved together.

But while these projects are important, what truly stands out is the lasting influence the COG volunteers have had on our students.

Their passion, enthusiasm, and generosity are infectious. They open doors to experiences our children may never otherwise have had, helping them to connect with nature, learn practical skills, and see the world through different eyes.

Every volunteer brings something unique — a skill, a story, a piece of knowledge, or simply the gift of time and encouragement. Somewhere along the way, each of them will have shared a moment or a “nugget” of inspiration that a child will carry with them for years to come.

That is the true legacy of this partnership.

In schools, we always hope to inspire young people, but the volunteers at COG have shown our children what community spirit, kindness, and dedication really look like in action. They are helping to shape not only knowledgeable young people, but caring and curious future generations.

As a school community, we are deeply grateful for everything they have given — their time, their expertise, and their unwavering commitment to our children.

It is therefore incredibly fitting that this work is recognised through the King’s Award. It is richly deserved, and we are proud to celebrate alongside you today.

You will notice that we don't have the speech by David Armitage ... the most amazing ad-libber there is.  There was one very poignant quote in his speech, taken from the tomb of Christopher Wren at St Pauls ... “Lector, si monumentum requiris, circumspice,” which, translated, says “Reader, if you seek a monument, look around.”  Thank you David, this resonated with so many of us as we enjoy and love the work we do.

My Speech of Welcome -  Lindsay Williams

Thank all for coming to celebrate this special occasion when we are joined by our guests the Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Edward Harley and Mrs Harley as well as Herefordshire Deputy Lieutenants especially Paul Deneen, Glyn Morgan, and Sue Furnival who have helped guide us through the Kings Award application process. Particular thanks to John Stock, who unfortunately can’t be with us today who nominated us, and to Olena (Haywood) and Gina (Harrison) for their letters of support.

This is a very special moment for us all and we are delighted to be joined by so many people that have helped make COG a resounding success. COG works closely with a number of local organisations and it is wonderful that friends from these organisations could be with us today. 

Colwall Parish Council

Malvern Hills Trust

Colwall Rotary 

Colwall Greener

Colwall Church

Colwall Primary School

Colwall Youth Project

Colwall Village Society 

Herefordshire Meadows

No wonder Colwall is such an amazing place with such vibrant organisations. I would also like in particular to thank the Malvern Hills National Landscape team who have supported COG from its inception to the present day – we would not be the group we are now without your help.

Most of all todays’ celebration is an acknowledgment of the amazing COG volunteers. Today is your day to celebrate and a thank you for all you have achieved. Each of you has contributed to the development of COG and improving this part of the world. Some you have been here from the formation of COG, others work quietly in the background making sure COG runs smoothly and many turn up on Fridays through rain, hail and occasionally sun to improve our world. It is great that COG has been recognised by the award but more importantly it gives us the opportunity to see how much of a difference we make. COG has grown into a vibrant, positive community where each individual contributes what they can to improve the area for people and nature. The skill base and enthusiasm of the people within COG is outstanding. Do take time today to talk to the as many people as you can to share stories and most of all celebrate all that you personally and your fellow volunteers have achieved.

Issued 14th November 2025

"As part of the King’s Birthday Honours Colwall Orchard Group has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) in recognition of their support and service to their local community. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (previously Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service) is the highest award given to UK volunteer groups, being equivalent to the MBE for an individual. This award wA announced in a special Gazette supplement on Friday 14th November.

Colwall Orchard Group (COG) is one of 280 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 volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them. 

Edward Harley CBE, Lord-Lieutenant for Herefordshire, said: “I am delighted that the Colwall Orchard Group has been awarded this honour. It demonstrates how volunteers can come together to support each other and also create opportunities for the wider community to enjoy and learn about their beautiful surroundings.”

Based in Colwall, the Colwall Orchard Group (COG) restores and celebrates traditional orchards, promotes wellbeing and connects people with nature. It’s a wide remit and its work can only be done by having a large team of enthusiastic volunteers who meet throughout the year on a weekly basis, come rain or shine, to give their time and expertise to carry out the restoration and maintenance of traditional orchards, to plant new orchards, to create and improve wildflower meadows, lay traditional hedges, create wildlife ponds and work with local schools and community groups.

COG volunteers have worked together to create a new public footpath, wildflower meadows and traditional seating in the orchards enabling the community to come and visit, enjoy, and learn about the countryside. 

COG’s volunteers host and arrange popular annual community events such as the Blossom Picnic, Wassail, Apple Day, Yuletide Fair, Meadow Walks and a Summer Solstice Celebration bringing the village together to celebrate its local heritage.

John Stock nominated the Colwall Orchard Group for the Award.  Colwall Parish Council and the Colwall Primary School headmistress submitted supporting letters back in 2024 which underlined the Group’s remarkable contribution and successes.  Colwall Parish Council says: 

“In the years since COG’s establishment the Group’s achievements have been truly impressive and exceeding what could be expected of a local community organisation, with impacts reaching far beyond the boundaries of the Parish - equally through education, collaborative work with larger organisations and through environmental impact. 

The magnitude and impact of COG’s work, as well as its importance for the local community, would truly be difficult to overstate.  They raised thousands in grants investing in nature, dug tonnes of soil, affected millions of blooms and bees, produced smiles and continue to change lives and the world around for the better.” 

Chair of Colwall Orchard Group, Lindsay Williams, says; “Colwall Orchard Group has over 200 members of whom 81 are regular volunteers. There are no paid staff and volunteers run every aspect of COG contributing the equivalent of seven full time annual staff. We meet every Friday with an average of 32 people working on improving the local environment. There are regular opportunities to learn, and each volunteer brings something unique to contribute to the group. COG has become a community itself where volunteers support each other, nature and the wider community.”

Colwall Orchard Group will receive the award crystal and certificate from the Lord-Lieutenant for Herefordshire, Mr Edward Harley, OBE at a ceremony being arranged for next spring. In addition, two volunteers from Colwall Orchard Group will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s Award."

-Ends-