Martineau Gardens receives the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

Pictured here, left to right John Crabtree, OBE, Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Claire Perry and Munsab Khan volunteers for Martineau Gardens Picture credit: Dale Martin

One of the longest running Community Gardens in Birmingham, Martineau Gardens, has been recognised for its commitment to the community receiving the Queens Award for Voluntary Service the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. Awarded during lockdown when gatherings were not possible, representatives of Martineau Gardens received the award from John Crabtree, OBE, Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands on Sunday 17 October at the awards ceremony, at Birmingham Hippodrome.  

Martineau Gardens supports volunteers on the therapeutic horticulture programme to look after the 2.5 acre free-to-enter community garden, many of whom have mental health issues and learning disabilities. A team of volunteers welcome over 10,000 visitors each year who come to enjoy its peaceand tranquillity and a further team helps out with special events and courses. events. Hundreds of school children visit the outdoor ‘classrooms’ to learn about the environment. The Gardens have beendescribed by visitors as ‘an oasis of calm in the bustling city’ and as ‘Birmingham’s hidden gem’ – all thanks to the dedication of the wonderful volunteers. 

Martineau Gardens, Edgbaston, Birmingham is one of 230 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of nominations remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them.  

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work byvolunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.  When the City Council-run environmental centre closed, a group of local people came together to create a community garden that would stay open for free, for the public of Birmingham to visit and care for.  Established in 1997 as a volunteer-led organisation, today Martineau Gardens is a thriving independently-run registered charity.Claire Perry, volunteer at the Gardens for over ten years said “Martineau Gardens means the world to me, to be around nature makes me calm and happy. I came here to boost my confidence, and now I’m here, I feel I’ve come out of the darkness and into the light.

”Munsab Kahn, volunteer at the Gardens said “Volunteering has given me a role - there was a massive hole in my life but when I began volunteering here, I could see there was light at the end of the tunnel.” 

Celebrating outside Birmingham Hippodrome

Martineau Gardens, 27 Priory Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7UG   

0121 440 7430

info@martineau-gardens.org.uk

www.martineau-gardens.org.uk

Registered Charity no. 1092364