Stratford charity honoured with Queen's Award

STRATFORD’S Escape Arts received its Queen's Award for Voluntary Services last week at Stratford Town Hall.

The award is regarded as the MBE for volunteering groups across the UK and recognises Escape Arts’ invaluable and continued service to all members of the Stratford community.

Karen Williams, artistic director at Escape Arts, said: “This award means all the volunteers who have worked so hard for Escape Arts over the past 20 years, can get the recognition that they deserve,

“They really are the lifeblood of the organisation, we love them all and we couldn’t do it without them.

“This is the highest award we can receive it’s something very special.”

The award was presented by Lord Lieutenant Tim Cox, while Stratford Mayor Cllr John Bicknell and Stratford district councillor Penny-Anne O`Donnell also attended.

The charity was nominated for the award by ex-Stratford Mayor Juliet Short who said: “As mayor I was honoured to support Escape Arts for this highly prestigious award. They are a fantastic community asset that we are lucky to have in the town. Well-deserved for all the hard work put in by an incredible team.”