Earlier this year, West Cornwall Search and Rescue Team was deeply honoured to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest recognition awarded to volunteer groups across the United Kingdom.

Earlier this month, two of our long-standing team members, James and Ricky, had the privilege of representing WCSAR at a Royal Garden Party held at Buckingham Palace in recognition of that achievement.

The event was hosted by the Prince and Princess of Wales — also the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall — alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Zara Tindall. Around 8,000 guests attended the afternoon celebration, bringing together volunteers and organisations from across the UK who have made outstanding contributions to their communities.

For James and Ricky, it was a proud opportunity to represent not only WCSAR, but all of the volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to supporting searches and rescues across West Cornwall.

The afternoon provided the chance to meet and speak with a wide variety of guests, including members of Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team. They also had the opportunity to speak again with Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho, Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall, whose support was instrumental in helping WCSAR and other Cornish organisations receive recognition through the KAVS this year.

Guests enjoyed an afternoon of music from military bands, who performed throughout the event and marked both the arrival of members of the Royal Family and the close of the party with the National Anthem. Tea, sandwiches and cakes were served in the beautiful palace gardens, offering a rare opportunity to experience a different side of one of the country’s most recognisable landmarks.

While WCSAR volunteers are usually found wearing red rescue jackets and navigating the rural and coastal terrain of West Cornwall, this occasion offered a very different experience – swapping operational kit for suits and taking time away from their everyday roles as a primary teacher and an apprentice paramedic to represent the team at a prestigious national event.

It was a memorable and proud day for everyone connected with WCSAR and a fitting celebration of the dedication and commitment shown by all of our volunteers.