A COMMUNITY centre described as “a wonderful place” by one of its users has won a national award.

The Victoria Centre in Lydney, which provides hot meals and somewhere to meet for older people, was presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service by the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Mr Edward Gillespie.

He said: “The Victoria Centre brings people together and they can spend time here with other diners and volunteers enjoying a delicious hot meal.

There is a high level of loneliness and isolation in the Forest of Dean and you are caring here for more than 150 elderly local residents, some of whom have real problems getting here.

“With Dial-a-Ride (community transport) and individual volunteers, people who would find it difficult to get here do get here.”

Mr Gillespie said the assessors who visited the centre were impressed by the quality of the volunteers.

“It was the quality of the volunteers and their high morale and the fact they are very well trained and become part of the family.

“The volunteers put something in but they also get something out of it.

“I think that is the essence of somewhere like this.”

Among the users of the centre who watched the presentation of the glass award was 94-year-old Keith Wilks.

He said: “This place has been marvellous to me.

“I live on my own and I can come here twice a week or even more and I can be looked after.It’s a wonderful place.”

The centre’s vice-chair, Glynis Halling, said the centre was set up in 1977 in what was previously the town’s fire station.

She said: “It has gained reputation and strength through the years and now we have much improved facilities and a very loyal band of volunteers and very happy diners who look forward to good food – always beautifully cooked – good company, friendship and a warm, friendly atmosphere.

“We are all volunteers in one way or another, none of us are unwilling to be here – we choose to be.

“We volunteer funds, small and large, commitment, care, genuine concern for diners’ welfare.

“We volunteer our labour, our time and commitment as trustees and a big part of ourselves.

“This place means such a lot to the volunteers and diners’ alike,” she added.

“Of course this award is recognition of the value of our wonderful volunteers and how fortunate we are that we have been recognised in this way.”

The Lord Lieutenant also said the assessors were impressed by the support of the centre by Lydney Town Council and other local authorities.

Mayor of Lydney, Cllr Walter Leach, said: “One of our main concerns is community space for older people.

“That is why we support the Victoria Centre and I’m delighted that the volunteers here have been recognised in this way.”