Back on the 14th November 2025, a group of volunteers based in Sutton in Ashfield Nottinghamshire were awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2025. The highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
Sherwood Observatory (the home of Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society CIO) has been operated by a group of volunteers since the 1970s, when they built the original observatory which houses a large Newtonian telescope, on a small site in Sutton in Ashfield. They also had a Radio Astronomy Centre which originated in 2010 and relocated to its own building 2019.

Right from the start, the volunteer group, who share a deep-rooted passion for astronomy, decided they wanted to share knowledge and inspire the wider community of Sutton-in-Ashfield, and even the East Midlands. As demand for public visits was higher than could be accommodated by the original observatory, the group set about fundraising and securing grants and donations which totalled £6.8 million.

This allowed them to embark on an ambitious project to convert a disused Victorian reservoir, next to the original observatory, into something incredibly special for the area. Construction began in August 2023, using a local supply chain wherever possible and over a period of 15 months the dilapidated site was transformed into a state-of-the-art centre (which includes a 59-seater planetarium, an exhibition space, conference rooms and a spacious café all designed with accessibility in mind). The charity’s vision champions STEM and acts as a valuable resource for education, enabling the development of knowledge, skills and confidence of young people and adults. The centre welcomes schools, local groups, Home Education, businesses and members of the public, always welcoming individuals with disabilities or special requirements. It is also continuously working with like-minded organisations on visionary projects and to bring future events to the area.

Sherwood Observatory is one of 231 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2025 marks the third year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK, such as a group of dog walkers clearing up their local area in Kincardineshire, A group providing unique flying experiences for people with disabilities in Hampshire. A group providing support to veterans and their families across Welsh Valley communities; a group running a museum and nonprofit railway In Belfast, preserving Northern Ireland’s railway heritage.

Representatives of Sherwood Observatory will receive the award crystal and certificate from Professor Veronica Pickering MBS HAC, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire In addition, two volunteers from the Observatory will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May or June 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

Observatory Chairman Dr Steve Wallace MBE said “I am absolutely delighted that we have received this award as it recognises the dedication of our volunteers over more than 50 years. The funding that we raised to build our new Planetarium and Science Centre would not have been possible without their hard work and the reputation that they have developed for engaging with and inspiring our visitors.”

Tony Booth, Centre Manager said “I’ve been a member and volunteer within Sherwood Observatory for several years and now manage this wonderful facility. I am extremely proud of our team of volunteers, past and present, and what they have achieved. We would never have seen such success without their hard work and dedication to our core values throughout the decades. This award is a testament to all of those who have given up their precious time to educate and inspire young minds, welcome visitors from near and far, and to give something back to the community.”

Rolling on to the following spring, on 16th March 2026 a very special celebration event took place at the planetarium & science centre.
The Lord-Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire, Professor Veronica Pickering MBS HAC joined our vast team of volunteers (both past and present) to celebrate this incredible recognition, and the evening included a buffet, planetarium show and special speeches.

Sherwood Observatory was presented with proclamation signed by His Majesty The King, a crystal award, and volunteers also received a special recognition badge for their outstanding efforts.

An emotional event, this highly memorable evening was a culmination of 40 years dedication in making astronomy, and more recently STEM an accessible experience to all (especially our younger generations) across Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, and visitors that even travel from beyond.

Here are some words from our incredibly special volunteers, explaining what this award means to them:

“I’m genuinely overwhelmed with pride at receiving The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This isn’t something I ever expected, and it means more to me than I can put into words. Volunteering has always been about helping others and doing the right thing, not recognition — so to be honoured in this way is incredibly moving. I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way, and I’m truly proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

Sharon Berry, Sherwood Observatory Volunteer

“I have been a member for roughly 12 years now and have always enjoyed volunteering for the Society, this award makes feel very proud of being part of such an organisation, and of course the award is a recognition by our King that it has all been worthwhile.”

Frank Jeal, Sherwood Observatory Volunteer

“Being a volunteer for Sherwood Observatory has been so rewarding. We set up the home education sessions in July 2025 and since then have welcomed over 1000 home educators through the doors!
Alongside this I’ve also been volunteering with group visits & events for over a year and really enjoy my role as a Planetarium Presenter. How many people can say they know how to operate a planetarium? I love it!
We are all very proud of achieving The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.”

Helen, Sherwood Observatory Volunteer

Find out more about The King’s Award for Voluntary Service The King’s Award for Voluntary Service – official website.

Published by Susanna Holt.