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MWT Volunteer Awards 2019/2020

MWT have relaunched our awards programme to recognise individuals/groups of our volunteers who have been recognised by their peers as being exceptional in their contribution. MWT used to have such an award, which was last presented to Val Crane in 1998, and our ambition is that these awards, once again, become an important part of MWT culture, hopefully for many years to come.

We received seven nominations this year and the panel took the decision to make an award to all seven, three “Annual Awards for an exceptional contribution in 2019-20” and four “Lifetime Awards for many years of exceptional contribution through volunteering for MWT”.

The following individuals/groups were presented with their awards, a carved wooden plaque made by the Manx Workshop for the Disabled and certificate, at a lunch at Greens Café, St Johns today, 29th September 2020, by our CEO, Leigh Morris and Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Hickey. NB: One of the recipients of the Lifetime Award has chosen anonymity, but they know who they are!

Southern Group Award collected by Margaret Kelly

Annual Award - MWT Southern Volunteers Group: The entire Southern Group were nominated for their contribution at our Ballachurry Reserve. Always welcoming to newcomers, the Southern Group can be relied on to turn their hands to many tasks, everything from painting walls at Scarlett visitor centre to painting faces at an event. They sell raffle tickets, bake cakes, set out chairs, serve tea, do the washing-up and sweep floors. They make signs, take debris to the tip, provide greenery, bunting, chairs and tables and raid their Christmas decorations to provide fairy lights. Cooperation is the hallmark of this amazing group and in short everyone is prepared to go the extra mile. The award was accepted on behalf of the group by Margeret Kelly.

Ian Davies Award

Annual Award - Ian Davies: Ian has contributed in several ways over the last year. He manages the rota at the Ayres Visitor Centre, championed (and secured) improvements to the access road/signage, is a member of the MWT Northern Volunteer Group and contributes to all events, grows plants for sale at the annual plant fair, and has been instrumental in building a strong relationship for MWT with the Co-Op, which has already brought us significant funding.

John Howie Award

Annual Award - John Howie: Coming in two days a week to help in the Peel office, John has overhauled both the membership database and the 200 Club cleaning data as he went. John has also turned his hand to several different tasks to help other members of the MWT team with things like scanning and artwork changes. His analytical approach and keenness to find a solution has been a great asset to MWT.

Val Crane Award

Lifetime Award - Val Crane: Ironically, Val was the last recipient of the previous MWT Volunteer Award in 1998. Val has been a volunteer for MWT for over 20 years. Val was part of the early “Muckers” team, on the Shop Rota, an Ayres Visitor Centre Warden, and member of the MWT Northern Volunteer Group Committee. She has also supported and contributed to several MWT events over the years.

Jean Buck Award

Lifetime Award - Jean Buck: Jean has been a fantastic contributor to MWT for decades across a huge range of work, including adult education, volunteer coordination, organising and running events, and being a stalwart of the MWT Northern Volunteer Group. In 2020 Jean was the driver behind the wonderful Art of Nature exhibition and drove forward the exhibition not least by contacting all the artists and probably being single headedly responsible for obtaining the exhibits many of whom agreed to donate the sales to MWT. 

Richard Higgins Award

Lifetime Award - Richard Higgins: Richard retired this year as an MWT Volunteer after many years of fantastic service to MWT. Richard was previously our MWT Board Chair and subsequently for several years Chaired our Wildlife Ltd. shop Board. Richard’s presence in and around our Gift Shop in Peel are greatly missed.

Leighs speech at Volunteer Awards