VOLUNTEERS in Coldharbour Mill, Uffculme, were celebrating on Tuesday (November 14) after receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

KAVS is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE for individuals.

Coldharbour Mill is one of the oldest working woollen mills in the UK, having been in constant production since 1797.

Originally owned by world-renowned textile producers Fox Brothers, of Wellington, the mill took fleece from all over the world and transformed it into yarn, cloth and textiles.

Largely unchanged, its rich heritage lives on today as one of the best-preserved examples of a textile mill complex in the country.

Coldharbour Mill volunteers have been recognised by the King on his birthday.
Coldharbour Mill volunteers have been recognised by the King on his birthday. ( )

Now run as a charity, Coldharbour Mill welcomes visitors to experience not only the industrial revolution, but also a unique opportunity to see artisan men and women making textiles, knitting yarn, and hand-woven rugs on traditional looms.

It is one of 262 charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups across the UK to receive the prestigious KAVS this year.

The work of the mill along with other recipients, reminds people of the different ways volunteers contribute to their local communities and work to make life better for those around them.

The award aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following the accession, the King emphasised his desire to continue the award.

Warmly welcoming visitors to Coldharbour Mill.
Warmly welcoming visitors to Coldharbour Mill. ( )

Recipients are announced annually on November 14, the King’s birthday.

Six representatives of Coldharbour Mill will receive the award crystal and certificate from Lord Lieutenant of Devon David Fursdon later this year.

Two of the mill’s volunteers will also attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace next year along with other KAVS recipients. 

Coldharbour Mill Trust chairman Bryher Mason said: “We are delighted that our dedicated and committed volunteers have been recognised in this way and is a real testament to their hard work and commitment to preserve and share our national treasure.

Artisan craftsmen can still be seen at work today in Coldharbour Mill, which has received a King's award.
Artisan craftsmen can still be seen at work today in Coldharbour Mill, which has received a King's award. ( )

“We now have over 85 volunteers donating their time to Coldharbour Mill, supporting everything from running the steam boilers to gardening, hosting groups and schools, and creating the national archive of woven patterns.

“Each one of these we are privileged to call friends.”

Organisations which want to be considered for next year’s KAVS can find all the information they need here. Nominations for 2025 awards will open on June 1, 2024.