THE Berwickshire Association for Voluntary Service (BAVS) hosted its annual awards ceremony last Tuesday October 4 2022 in the Duns Volunteer Hall.

The event coincided with the organisation’s belated 50th anniversary celebration, with organisations such as A Heart for Duns and Parent Space in attendance, alongside Borders MSP Rachael Hamilton.

BAVS is an independent voluntary organisation which has been helping community and voluntary groups since 1971.

The organisation has served Berwickshire communities over this time in many ways, including the provision of support, information and representation and for community and voluntary groups in Berwickshire

The winners of the awards on Tuesday evening included: Organisation of the Year: Berwickshire Swap, Volunteer of the Year: Vera Baxter (Roxburgh and Berwickshire Citizens Advice Bureau), Project of the Year: Keeping Duns Blooming Marvellous, Employee of the Year: Karen Lerpiniere (Parent Space) and finally Community Activist of the Year: Barrie Forrest (for his relentless campaign for Reston train station opening).

Ms Hamilton said she was delighted to attend the awards and hear about the inspiring work of the volunteers in attendance.

Rachael Hamilton MSP said: “It was fantastic to attend Tuesday evening awards ceremony which celebrated the achievements of our outstanding members of the Berwickshire volunteer community.

“These awards highlighted the incredible achievements of the local volunteers over the last year which are absolutely vital to our Berwickshire communities

“Huge congratulations to all the award winners and nominees for their hard work over the last year. Hearing their stories was incredibly inspiring. I have the utmost respect for all of those here in the Borders who are giving up their time to support our Borders communities.

"I also wish BAVS all the very best as they embark upon the next 50 years of service to our communities, after celebrating their 50th anniversary this week.”