The Award was recognition of all the hard work that our volunteers do to maintain Northern Heights, buildings and grounds, in such a good condition and for their work in offering environmental activities with an educational dimension to all youth and community groups. Northern Heights is used by Guide and Scout groups, special schools, groups of all ages and abilities and many other youth & community organisations from different cultures and religious beliefs.

Thanks go to Jean Howliston for nominating the group and providing such an excellent letter of support to accompany the form. The site then had an assessment visit from Nicholas Halsey, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire and two members of the group had to attend an interview at Hertfordshire Town Hall.

Details of winners of the Award (Northern Heights Volunteers were one of 95 winners out of 406 nominations this year) were published in the London Gazette of Tuesday 9th June 2009 which states, "Her Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased to confer her Awards in 2009  in recognition of their outstanding voluntary work in the community".

The press release prepared by the Cabinet office said, "The prestigious National Honour, which is equivalent to the MBE, sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, and the activities of those awarded have been judged of the highest standard."

Over 60 Volunteers from Haringey, Barnet, Brent and Enfield met at the campsite for the Presentation evening where a commemorative crystal and certificate signed by Her Majesty the Queen were presented on behalf of the Queen, by the Countess of Verulam, Lord Lieutenant for Hertfordshire.

Speaking to the volunteers Lady Verulam not only congratulated them on their achievement but also said that although many groups were nominated, only a few achieved the Award. She commended them for the way the group kept together and had continued their work over many years. Lady Verulam also complimented the group on achieving awards for best environmental practice saying that their enthusiasm and commitment ensured a memorable experience for the many young people coming to the site.