An outstanding volunteer from Bilbrook, has been recognised by Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort as part of the official Coronation celebrations in conjunction with Royal Voluntary Service.

Annette Lloyd volunteers with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and The Friends of Bilbrook and has been recognised for their contribution and crowned a Coronation Champion. This follows a call out to the nation to nominate their volunteer heroes. Almost 5000 entries were received, with nominations made for individuals aged 14 up to 103.

Annette impressed judges with her spectacular volunteer record of 38 years. For the past 11 years Annette has devoted her time to The Friends of Bilbrook community group, planting and caring for a wood to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The wood is now a fantastic haven for all sorts of wildlife containing 1500 trees and is a much loved part of Bilbrook. 

Annette has also worked with local schools to support them in understanding climate change, mitigate it and improve biodiversity on school sites. For the past two years she also volunteered at the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust charity shop in Codsall, helping prevent waste, supporting a circular economy and raising funds for the vital work of the Trust.

During Covid, Annette volunteered at the vaccination centre in Stafford, helping to deliver over 100,000 vaccinations. Her aspirations continue, over the next few years The Friends of Bilbrook will be working with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust on the restoration of a section of the Moat Brook in Bilbrook.  

With the support of Her Majesty The Queen Consort, a passionate advocate of volunteering and President of Royal Voluntary Service, the Coronation Champions Awards were launched to recognise exceptional volunteers from across the country at this momentous point in history. Across the UK, 500 Champions dazzled the judging panel with the impact of their work, their inspirational stories and unwavering commitment to volunteering.

All Coronation Champions, including Annette, have been invited to attend one of the official Coronation celebrations, such as the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert or a Coronation Garden Party. They will also receive a specially designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by Their Majesties.

Commenting on becoming a Coronation Champion, Annette Lloyd said:

“I feel so honoured to have been crowned a Coronation champion. It is lovely to have all my efforts over the years recognised and it is a huge privilege to be part of the Coronation weekend. Climate change and biodiversity loss is such a massive but vital issue to tackle, and to have the work I have done, and will continue to do, recognised gives me new motivation and drive to carry on working towards a healthier planet for us all.”

The Coronation Champions Awards invited people across the UK to nominate their local volunteering heroes who are going the extra mile. Nominations were made across eight award categories; supporting older people; supporting young people and children; crisis and welfare; community; sports, culture, and heritage; health and care; sustainability and the environment; and animal welfare.

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service said:

“We were completely blown away by the response to the Community Champions Awards and the huge volume of amazing nominees put forward. Our judges had a tough job selecting just 500 Champions from an array of thousands of inspirational individuals, who all deserve to be recognised and commended. “

Each of our Coronation Champions displayed a commitment and contribution that far exceeds any expectation and we’re overjoyed to honour and thank them during this exciting point in history.”

Royal Voluntary Service is immensely grateful for the generous support of brand partners Simplyhealth, for supporting the Health and Care category, Sky through its Sky Cares programme, for supporting the Community category and Petplan, for supporting the Animal Welfare category.

Those feeling inspired to try volunteering themselves are encouraged to take part in The Big Help Out on Monday 8th May. The Big Help Out is another official Coronation project, aiming to encourage newcomers to volunteering, bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the Coronation weekend.