Two south Warwickshire organisations presented with Queen's Award

Earlier this year, it was announced that the Pam Britton Trust for Dementia and Harbury e-Wheels were receiving The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

On Wednesday (October 26), the Lord Lieutenant for Warwickshire, Tim Cox, presented the awards to Tony Britton, founder of the Pam Britton Trust and the team at Harbury e-Wheels.

Harbury e-Wheels received the award for using electric cars to provide essential transport and support to the rural community of Harbury, while also working to facilitate e-charging for the village.

The Pam Britton Trust for Dementia received a the award for supporting people living with a dementia illness, as well as providing support for their carers in Leamington and south Warwickshire.

The trust was founded by Tony Britton in memory of his wife Pam, who died in 2013 aged 64, having lived with early-onset dementia since she was in her 50s.

Reflecting on being presented the award, Tony said: “I was very nervous throughout and during my thank you speech I certainly had the wobbly legs, which I cannot recall ever having before.

“I was very moved by the number of dignitaries who attended and so pleased so many of our long standing volunteers managed to make it too, we couldn’t have done anything without them.

“The Lord Lieutenant put me at ease, and he said some very kind words about our efforts in dementia support across the wider Warwick area over the last seven years or so.

"I think choosing to have it during a regular group session at the first ever venue, the Brunswick Centre, really added to the occasion along with having so many family and friends present.

"I would like to thank my two charity trustees, Barbara and Cynthia, who give me so much support and put up with me year in year out, Jill from the Lord Lieutenants Office who did most of the organisation for the day and all the dignitaries who chose to attend and support the charity.

"Also Pam’s family who always give me 100 per cent support too and being so local, her sister, brother and Kerry my niece, play a significant part in what we do.

"Also to the various group leaders and all their superb volunteers across a network of some 11 independent groups in our area, who facilitate and deliver support week in week out to both the family carers, and their loved ones living with a dementia illness.”

When asked what Pam would think about the Trust receiving the award, Tony said: “I do hope Pam would be proud, she was such an amazing human being herself who gave so much help and support to so many people, including some eight years or so working most Saturday nights with the Samaritans Organisation in Coventry, having also worked full time for the family company during the week.”

Tim Cox, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, said: “I was delighted to present the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service awards to Harbury e-Wheels and The Pam Britton Trust for Dementia.

"It is so important to reward and celebrate excellence in our county, whether that be in the field of voluntary service or enterprise.”