They have won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) for being at the heart of the community over many decades and for providing a historic event that promotes community spirit.
It was announced this week, as part of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
AROM convener Stuart Thompson MBE is ‘deeply honoured’
at the move and said: “This is a tremendous achievement and the group should feel immensely proud.
“Equivalent to an MBE, QAVS are the highest awards given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.
“I’d like to take this very opportunity to congratulate all of the members, and thank them for the dedication to ROM and their communities.”
Mr Thompson has been involved with the summer event for 46 years and added: “I’m extremely proud to be part of the team orchestrating organising, and delivering annually, our very prestigious ceremonies.
“Members are our greatest asset and to all past and present, individuals, who continually remain loyal and commitment to ROM expending 100 hours voluntary work, my extreme thanks.”
He revealed that an award ceremony will be held in the near future with dignitaries and sponsors to mark the occasion.
Congratulating everyone involved, Fiona Armstrong, Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries, said: “Volunteers with Annan Riding of the Marches richly deserve this award. Their hard work and enthusiasm over so many years means local culture thrives and tradition lives on. The event is one that unites the whole community. It instils pride and brings inclusivity.
“Here in Dumfriesshire, we are so proud of the work done by the committee and members.”
And Dumfries and Galloway Council interim chief executive Derek Crichton added: “This recognition is fully deserved. Volunteers with Annan Riding of the Marches go above and beyond to deliver a historic event that means so much to the people of Annan as well as the many visitors nationally and internationally.”
Meanwhile, two more organisations in the region also received the QAVS: the Port William Community Association and the West Galloway Branch of St John Scotland.
