MEMBERS of the community were celebrated at The Alnwick Garden's Annual Garden Party on Wednesday, June 15.

Staff from the Rising Cafe in Hexham attended the event, along with 12 volunteers from the Haltwhistle Partnership, and Great North Air Ambulance volunteers from Bellingham and Kielder.

All those who attended had been nominated, and Jane Percy, the Duchess of Northumberland, hosted the event as Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland.

Hexham Courant: EVENT: The Alnwick Garden Annual Garden PartyEVENT: The Alnwick Garden Annual Garden Party

The annual event celebrates the contribution made by volunteers and unsung heroes in local communities.

Haltwhistle Partnership, along with four other groups, was presented with The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

Julie Gibbons, Chair of Haltwhistle Partnership, said: "It was very enjoyable, it stayed dry and was a lovely afternoon."

Hexham Courant: VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers from Haltwhistle Partnership who attended the eventVOLUNTEERS: Volunteers from Haltwhistle Partnership who attended the event

Julie said The Queen's Award recognised the past 25 years of efforts from volunteers and trustees who have all contributed to what the partnership has achieved.

"We were very humbled and I'm delighted for all the people over the last 25 years, it's a great honour."

Hexham Courant: COMMUNITY: Julie Gibbons, Chair of Haltwhistle Partnership receiving The Queen's Award for Voluntary Services from the Duchess of NorthumberlandCOMMUNITY: Julie Gibbons, Chair of Haltwhistle Partnership receiving The Queen's Award for Voluntary Services from the Duchess of Northumberland

The Partnership advocates for town infrastructure and investment, and organise a variety of volunteer-led community projects.

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READ MORE: Community partnership recognised with Queen's Award for voluntary service

Hexham Courant: AWARD: Julie Gibbons, Chair of Haltwhistle PartnershipAWARD: Julie Gibbons, Chair of Haltwhistle Partnership

Charlotte Garbutt from the Rising Cafe said: "It was an absolutely beautiful day."

The cafe donates all profits to help people overcome drug and alcohol addictions.

"The Duchess was beautiful, interesting and interested in us. She went round all the tables and introduced herself to everyone," Charlotte said.

The group gave testimony to the Duchess about their experiences running the cafe, and Charlotte said the Duchess was 'blown away by their stories'.

Aimee Jones, and Beth and Dave Birmingham from Rising Cafe also attended the event.

"We were really grateful for the nomination, and we had a lovely day, we felt appreciated and accepted," Charlotte added.

Hexham Courant: PARTY: The Annual Garden PartyPARTY: The Annual Garden Party

Alan and Elizabeth Bland and Barry Noble, who are all GNAAS volunteers, were nominated to attend by the air ambulance.

Alan and Elizabeth, from Bellingham, have raised thousands since 2014 through competing in car rallies and completing skydives respectively.

Hexham Courant: VOLUNTEERS: (L-R) Alan Banks, the Duchess of Northumberland, Elizabeth Banks, and Barry NobleVOLUNTEERS: (L-R) Alan Banks, the Duchess of Northumberland, Elizabeth Banks, and Barry Noble

Barry, from Kielder, has volunteered for the charity for 20 years.

Alan and Elizabeth became volunteers in 2018, collected money for the service and have attended charity events.

"Only Covid stopped us," Elizabeth said. "All the fundraising ground to a halt." 

Alan said they are planning to hold another rally next year on the Isle of Mull in Scotland.