In 2024, CHAPS heard that the group had been put forward for this prestigious award. Three members of the group [two founder members Michael Mellor and Lisa Shephard] and the next longest serving member [Sheila Harding] were interviewed by Deputy Lieutenants of Staffordshire Sarah Elsom and Alison Wedgwood.
In November 2024 it was announced that the group was to receive the award – the highest award given to voluntary groups in the UK and the equivalent of an MBE -from His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Sir Ian Dudson, KVCO, CBE,
A presentation event was organised for January 29th 2025 at Beau Desert Golf Club. The venue chosen is situated on and has beautiful views of Cannock Chase – a perfect setting to reflect the public art on show throughout the Chase area.
Amongst those invited by the committee and their partners were past committee members, many of the artists the group has worked with over the last 22 years and some of the businesses and individuals who have always supported the work of CHAPS.
Also attending was the High Sheriff of Staffordshire, Julia Mitchell; the Chair of Staffordshire County Council, Councillor Phil Hewitt and the Chair of Cannock Chase Council, Councillor Steve Thornley.
Everyone was treated to something very special when they arrived – they were greeted by the mascot of the Staffordshire Regiment, Watchman, with his handler, Greg.
Committee member Trish Mellor presided over the afternoon; CHAPS President Michael Mellor BEM welcomed everyone to the special occasion, remarking that gaining an award such as this was never anything the group could possibly ever have imagined.
One of the nominators of the group for the award was Shaun Middleton, himself someone who volunteers in many ways in our area, as a member of Hednesford Lions and as leader of Bridgtown Concert Show band. Shaun spoke about some of the CHAPS projects he has witnessed or been involved with and commended the group for all that they do to increase and impact the sense of community and heritage within the Cannock Chase area.
Jackie Prince, secretary of CHAPS, spoke of her personal reasons for volunteering. She began by remembering how she was always the one at school to offer to do things to ‘help’; this developed into doing voluntary work in a number of ways, the work with CHAPS being particularly fulfilling. Her words resonated with every one there, in particular the quote from Elizabeth Andrew she ended with: “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart”.
Sir Ian Dudson spoke a little about the award itself and the process from nomination, to an assessment by a Deputy Lieutenant in the County, to a recommendation to the National KAVS board and finally to an award being granted. He commended the members of CHAPS for all that they do and for making a difference to people and to the area.
It is recognised that volunteering provides a sense of purpose, improves your physical and mental health, nurtures new and existing relationships and helps you learn new skills.
Chair Alderwoman Pat Ansell received the framed Certificate, signed by King Charles III, from Sir Ian Dudson – and Vice-chair Craig Watts received the beautiful crystal award on behalf of the committee. Each committee member was presented with their own KAVS badge – an extremely proud moment for everyone.
The citation for the award reads:
Celebrating the heritage of Cannock Chase, including its coal mining past, by promoting public art
This award recognises the efforts of many people over the last 22+ years. All members, past and present, feel so proud to have received this award – they have a sense of fulfilment and joy and already have plans for further works of public art to continue celebrating the heritage of Cannock Chase.