The immeasurable contribution and achievement of a modest number of our dedicated volunteers was recognised in 2005 with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Ford Park Cemetery Trust was the only organisation in Devon that year to receive this prestigious award. It is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon groups of this kind and is equivalent in status to the MBE. The Queen’s Award, which was established in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee, is intended to recognise groups of individuals who give their time freely to benefit others.   The Trust considered it an honour to receive this award which is priceless in terms of a morale boost and thank you to our volunteers.

From day one when local people rallied together to save Ford Park Cemetery, in the wake of the financial meltdown of the then cemetery company, and the formation of the charitable trust in April 2000, the input of volunteers has been essential.

Quite simply the cemetery wouldn’t be able to thrive and grow as a community asset without volunteers helping with the day to day office business, computerising of cemetery records, hosting of guided tours, hospitality during events, improving the landscape and raising awareness about this special place.

One of the biggest challenges the Trust faces is that as the cemetery becomes busier as a burial ground and heritage resource it needs to increase its capacity – it needs more volunteers to keep up the momentum for improvement.

If you would like to be part of an award winning team and contribute your time and skills please get in touch.

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To contact us call 01752 665442, Fax 01752 601177 or
e-mail at info@ford-park-cemetery.org