MBE for Clarissa Roberts

Added on Tue 5th Jan 2010 by Trevor (Marketing and Communications Manager)

Clarissa Roberts, a stalwart of VASA and its predecessor organisation the CVS, was awarded the MBE in the New Year Honours List for her services to the community.

She joined the CVS on its first day more than 30 years ago, initially as a volunteer before joining its small staff. As manager of the Volunteer Centre, she was instrumental in building up the volunteer driver scheme, setting up a number of new voluntary organisations and opening the CVS/VASA offices in Alcester, Shipston and Southam.

Clarissa says: “I am still finding it difficult to believe as I have been doing something I love and I feel the recognition is for all the volunteers in the District who have worked so hard to achieve so much. I am so very very lucky to have met thousands of volunteers over the years”.

Julia Phillips, VASA’s Chief Executive said: “Clarissa has been and remains a tower of strength to the whole voluntary sector through her work for VASA and CVS. Her commitment to serving the sector has been exemplary - she is still the first person in the office and the last to leave every day - and she is a role model for all of us working there. Everyone she has helped will be as delighted as we are that her contribution has been recognised”.
Alan Bartlett, former Chief Officer with the CVS said: “Clarissa has worked for the community of Stratford on Avon District for over 30 years. She is perhaps best known for developing the Community Car Scheme which provides an invaluable service to those in need. I worked with Clarissa for twelve years and I know the commitment and very real effort she makes to help people and I am absolutely delighted that she has been awarded the MBE for her services to the community. It is a richly deserved award”