Pictured: The trustees of Radio Plus, surrounding in the centre Ursula Russell MBE DL, Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands. Left to right: Paul Simmons, Rebecca Neely, Simon Dean, Karen Forbes, Ivan Vickers and Tim Coleman (founder and Station Manager).
Radio Plus 101.5FM (www.radioplus.org.uk) were presented with their Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service on the 27th October at The Bishop’s House by the Queen’s representative, The Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Ursula Russell MBE DL. She was joined by patron for Radio Plus, Bishop Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop of Coventry and former Lord Mayor, Michael Gammon, as well as volunteers for the volunteer-led community radio station. It was an opportunity to thank all the volunteers that have helped Radio Plus since it began broadcasting on 20th December, 2010.
Radio Plus, which targets 16-35 year olds and operates from the former home of Mercia FM at Hertford Place in the centre of the city, was awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in April; it’s the highest award a voluntary organisation can receive, equivalent to an MBE. Radio Plus works in partnership with local churches and organisations across Coventry and the surrounding areas to signpost listeners to local services and the many positive things happening across the city. Its mission is to use the media to postively influence the people of Coventry to love and follow Jesus.
Tim Coleman, Station manager and Trish White, Administrator for Radio Plus, attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace on the 19th May where they met the Queen and other winners of this year’s award. Tim said, “We were delighted to have been honoured with a Queen’s Award, which recognises the achievements of our amazing volunteers who give up their time to help run Radio Plus and to broadcast great programmes across Coventry.”
“It’s even more special as it coincided with the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations and it was wonderful to see her and the Duke of Edinburgh, along with other members of the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace.”
“As we continue to build our audience numbers across Coventry from 13,000/week towards 30,000, part of our 2020 vision, we would ask everyone to support us as we help to raise the profile of this wonderful city and firmly embed ourselves into community life. With Radio Plus running both music stages at this year’s Motofest festival, the Community Stage at The Godiva Festival and a host of training programmes for young volunteers and unemployed people, we’re asking for local support as a charity, both financially and with new volunteers. It costs between £75K-£100K/year to run Radio Plus. You can donate via Local Giving https://localgiving.org/charity/radiopluscoventry.
Radio Plus is one of 8 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of awards given to groups is slightly higher than last year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to tackle community challenges.
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work in their communities. The awards were created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and winners are announced each year on 2 June – the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Committee Chair, former broadcast journalist Sir Martyn Lewis said:
“I warmly congratulate all of the inspirational voluntary groups who have been rewarded for their community work with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The judging panel for this year’s awards were struck by the quality and breadth of all the successful groups.
"The thousands of volunteers who give up spare time to help others in their community and to help solve problems demonstrate the very best of democracy in action.”
Minister for Civil Society, Rob Wilson, said:
“I would like to congratulate Radio Plus and all groups who received this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, in recognition of their fantastic achievements. The huge amount of work and commitment these organisations put into their local communities is surpassed only by the passion and motivation of the individuals who volunteer. I hope these groups continue to inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact so that we can continue to build a more compassionate society.”