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Best of British magazine has named volunteers as the number one thing that makes Britain great, in a list of 250 Things That Make Britain Great, published in its May issue.  The list was compiled with input from readers, contributors and staff to celebrate the 250th issue of the nostalgia magazine. The list also recognises at least 24 charities. Macmillan is the highest ranked charity at number 13, followed by RNLI at 14.  Tornado made it to #31 on the list, ahead of Isambard Kingdom Brunel,  the National Railway Museum and Flying Scotsman!  However, we must pay tribute to our own volunteers, without whom No. 60163 would be able to run and No. 2007 be built.

Simon Stabler, the magazine’s editor, said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities, just look at the likes of the Royal Voluntary Service whose work at home and in hospitals allows older people to ‘live life happier’, Keep Britain Tidy which help people to show pride in their area and Cancer Research UK whose volunteers in their shops and behind the scenes contribute to the charity’s life-saving research.” Bob Barton, a regular contributor to the magazine who nominated volunteers for the list, added: “The British are always willing to volunteer. Where would our heritage railways, little museums and parks be without them?” The top 35 are listed below: Volunteers The Queen Sir David Attenborough Houses of Parliament Sir Winston Churchill The NHS The English Language Marmite Village Fetes Our sense of humour Fish and Chips The Great British Breakfast Macmillan Cancer Support The Royal National Lifeboat Institute Pubs The BBC Red phone boxes Real ale The Beatles Giving up your seat National Museums Brilliant architecture Stunning scenery Cornwall The Mini London Underground Town and city parks Springtime Dad’s Army William Shakespeare Tornado The Brompton Isambard Kingdom Brunel Blackpool trams Our rich musical heritage Montage by Mandy Grant