Congratulations to Friends of Bishopstone Station (FOBS), a Sussex volunteer group and a member of Newhaven Chamber, for their recognition and honoured of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, 2025. This prestigious award, equivalent to an MBE, is the highest recognition for voluntary groups in the UK.
FOBS, established in 2017, has played a key role in restoring the Grade 2 listed Art Deco building and transforming it into a vibrant community hub. They are among 232 local charities, social enterprises, and volunteer groups to receive this year’s award, which highlights the incredible contributions volunteers make to their communities across the UK.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, established in 2002 to mark Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee, continues under His Majesty The King. 2025 marks the award’s third year under this new title, with recipients announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday.
Barbara Mine, CEO of FOBS, expressed her delight, saying, “I’m thrilled that our team’s dedication to preserving this iconic building and creating a valuable community asset has received such a significant honour.”
FOBS representatives will receive the award crystal and certificate from Andrew Blackman, Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, in the coming months and two volunteers will also attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2026.
The community hub organises various community projects such as Meet Up Mondays to tackle social isolation, Man Space for men’s mental health and wellbeing, and a Community Food Project. The hub also hosts fitness classes, art and language lessons, and serves as a meeting venue for other organisations and keeps the station gardens blooming.
In 2026 they are planning further restoration work and a new community project focusing on older residents in care and nursing homes.
To find out more, visit the Friends of Bishopstation website
