By Press Release
‘Large opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day’ – Sally Koch
I have had an incredible year as your High Sheriff, celebrating my theme ‘Inspire to Aspire’, my aim being to highlight the work of people and organisations who dedicate their time to supporting others. After the pandemic years, I also wanted to continue raising the profile of the High Sheriff’s role in the community.
I have spent time with the emergency services on land and water. They all made me feel so welcome and I found it very informative, observing their front-line work, dedication, quick decision-making and compassion.
I have appreciated sitting in the courts, and a great end to my Crown Court experience was giving an award, by order of the Crown Court, made under section 28 of the Criminal Law Act 1826, by His Honour Judge Mousley KC, to two gentlemen who showed great courage leading to the apprehension and conviction of a criminal.
I have had the pleasure to visit and learn from a vast range of charities, spending time with a number of young people, and their incredible leaders, who ensure young people have a voice. It was particularly inspiring to visit Vectis Radio 4 Ps project, working with young people
with additional needs, and how their project was commended in the National Crime Beat Awards. A credit to them and the Island.
I was particularly privileged to be invited to attend citizenship ceremonies for those taking the oath to become UK nationals, along with meeting the Indonesian community and sampling their wonderful food at the Indonesian Day, a colourful event with dancing and talks
about their beautiful country, and also being asked to open Diwali, the festival of light, which was a real treat. I had great fun with the Equals group when they were preparing to take part in the carnivals.
It was a pleasure to meet our Polish community and to speak with Ukrainians about how their lives had been literally saved by kind Island residents who had thrown open the doors of their homes to them. It was lovely to meet them all and I thank them for enriching our culture by sharing theirs.
The list goes on. I have managed to thank many and, through social media, raise their profile and that of the High Sheriff with really positive feedback, for which I am most grateful.
It was overwhelming to see Island residents’ response to people’s needs, and the incredible work being done, across the Island, with warm spaces, food larders and friendship groups popping up in many areas through local organisations, charities and even in people’s homes.
One of the things which has really humbled me is the number of volunteers we have on the Island. In all sorts of ways, people give up their time freely to support others and make the Island a special place to live.
I am not a tin shaker; fund-raising isn’t my strength. However, through various sources (donations, legal service and monies for giving talks) I was able to top up the High Sheriff’s Trust, donating to a number of grassroots charities.
I think sometimes it is underestimated, as it is difficult to quantify, but the High Sheriff’s role, although only ceremonial, is most definitely respected and needed in the community. It is a role that unites people facilitating a connection from which they will benefit.
I am particularly thankful for the friendship of the South West High Sheriffs, whose comradery has inspired me throughout the year.