Harrow (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Volunteers at Bentley Priory Museum in Stanmore, Harrow, have earned the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service, recognising their outstanding community impact.
The award is the highest accolade bestowed upon local voluntary organisations in the United Kingdom and is thought of as the equivalent of an MBE for volunteer groups. It is given out for life.
In order to gather money for a commemorative museum following the RAF’s departure from the site in 2008, a group founded The Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust in 2005, which marked the beginning of the museum’s voluntary effort.
The museum opened in September 2013 as a result of their efforts.
Since then, the number of volunteers has increased to about 100.
They assist with school visits, greet guests, conduct guided tours, assist in the café, and maintain the Grade II-listed Italian Gardens in order to support the Harrow museum. Today, more than 10,000 people visit the museum annually.
Trustee Wing Commander Erica Ferguson said:
“Our incredible volunteers are essential to the running of the Museum and pivotal to our success. Visitors always highlight how volunteers enrich their experience, and we are so grateful to their extraordinary generosity of time, skills and knowledge. We are so proud of them for achieving this distinguished award.”
A long-serving volunteer who joined in 2008 added:
“I enjoy volunteering at the Museum because it gives me so much pleasure. It comes down to the pleasure I get from the company /companionship of my fellow volunteers and most importantly of all, from the enjoyment our visitors get from coming along to share what’s so special about Bentley Priory.”
What community projects did Bentley Priory volunteers deliver?
Nature conservation and niche restoration in Bentley Priory Open Space, part of which is a point of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Levies help clear invasive species, factory native trees and shrubs, covert trees to produce forestland clearings, manage mite encroachment on champaigns, maintain ponds, and form fencing for conservation beasts similar to English Longhorn Cattle.
Supporting educational outreach and public engagement through tenures, shops, and family conditioning at Bentley Priory Museum. Levies help with academy visits during term time and family events in academy leaves, easing trades and crafts, object running sessions, and literal interpretation.
Uniting with local mates and community groups on wider nature recovery systems in Harrow, including wildflower meadow creation and tree planting to enhance biodiversity and niche quality. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service highlights groups whose work transforms original communities, and Bentley Priory Museum’s levies join 231 other outstanding groups nationally to admit this recognition. Donors admit an instrument inked by the King and a domed glass demitasse as a symbol of their achievement. The award also offers the occasion for representatives to attend a royal theater party.
Bentley Priory Museum levies have earned the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2025, spotlighting their exceptional community service and heritage preservation efforts.