►
|
Home (main)
Essex
Home
County News
Voluntary
Sector Support
High Sheriffs Awards
County History
Links
|
Essex
County News
2010/2011
HIGH SHERIFF REWARDS LOCAL CHARITIES
57 community projects, charities and individuals from across Essex received Special Awards, certificates and grants totalling £45,000 from the High Sheriff of Essex, Michael Hindmarch, at the county’s High Sheriff Awards for 2011. The special Awards ceremony sponsored by Essex County Council and organised by Essex Community Foundation, was held at the Fennes Estate, Bocking (9 March)
The Melbourne Project won the High Sheriff’s Cup in recognition of their work giving support and advocacy to people of all ages who live on the Melbourne Estate. They also received a grant of £1,000 which will enable them to continue to run their various projects and clubs including a homework club and an elderly person’s club.
Craylands Activity Zone in Basildon won the Essex County Council Bowl and also received a grant of £1,000. The award recognises the way in which a group of local residents are addressing the social issues existing in their neighbourhood, empowering them to improve the quality of local life. The grant will help provide activities for young children during school holidays.
The special High Sheriffs’ Shield went to Southend. Lauren and Emily Smoothy received the Award to recognise their efforts in raising awareness and producing a DVD about safe driving following the tragic death of their 16 year old friend two years ago.
Around 250 invited guests including the Lord Lieutenant, the Chairman of Essex County Council, Cllr Rodney Bass, Chief Constable, Jim Barker-McCardle, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Stewart Thomson and many past High Sheriffs of Essex, attended the event, which was compered by BBC Essex Radio Presenter, Steve Scruton.
Michael announced that since the High Sheriffs’ endowed fund was established in 1997 with Essex Community Foundation, it has distributed nearly £330,000 in grants to voluntary and community organisations which are supporting local people and helping to make Essex communities safer from crime. The High Sheriff commended his predecessors thanking them for establishing, maintaining and increasing the Fund which will go on forever in Essex supporting local charities.
Michael also paid tribute to the organisations represented at the event. He said ““I have been so impressed with the many organisations that I have had the privilege to visit and have been particularly interested in those organisations that work with under-privileged young people. Supporting, training and occupying the time of these young people early in life can be instrumental in setting them on the correct path, thus enriching their lives and helping to prevent them from resorting to crime.”
He added, “There are so many people in Essex who give up their time generously and selflessly for others; it is important to give these local people and organisations the recognition they richly deserve.”
The Essex County Fire and Rescue Shield, which recognises the work of an organisation’s support of young people was awarded to Loughton Youth Project for the work they do to aid crime reduction among young people in Loughton and Debden. As well as the Shield they received £500 towards the cost of running their youth information and activity centre.
The Volunteer Centre of the Year Award, launched at the Awards in 2002 by George Courtauld, was won by The Harbour Project in Maldon. The award recognises an organisation for the support, respect and training that it gives to its volunteers and includes a cheque for £1,000. Barbara Pembleton nominated the group. She said “they quickly made me feel one of the team and provided me with excellent training".
The Essex Police Cup recognises the exceptional contribution of individual’s to community safety in their community. The Cup was won by Karen Brown for her long-standing and active voluntary work with many organisations in Braintree, helping to address crime and disorder issues.
The High Sheriffs’ Fund is managed by Essex Community Foundation (ECF), an independent charitable trust investing and distributing funds to local charities on behalf of individuals, companies, trusts and public agencies throughout Essex. For more information about the High Sheriffs’ Fund or ECF visit
www.essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk
2009/2010
One of the highlights of my year was the Essex summer garden party which we held on 3rd July. That week was the hottest and most beautiful weather that I can remember. Well over 400 people enjoyed a perfect summer's afternoon taking tea and chatting in the sunshine.
The evening before we made use of the marquee for a fundraising cabaret and dinner evening. The modern day Flanders & Swann duo gave a spirited and entertaining rendering of many of the old favourites. Thanks to the generosity of those attending we raised a fine sum of money jointly for the High Sheriffs' Fund and the Essex Rural Fund.
 Much of the work in the community that the High Sheriff supports is run by volunteers on a charitable basis and funding for these projects is essential. With this in mind I set to work to raise more money for the High Sheriffs' Fund to ensure its ability to distribute grants in the future. After Christmas I launched my Organathon – a marathon-type sponsored challenge to play 26 organs in Essex before I gave up Office at the end of March.
I am glad to report that the challenge was completed on time and I am extremely grateful to the many people who supported me so generously. It was fun seeing many beautiful Essex churches, playing a wide variety of organs and meeting many loyal supporters who sat listening, quite often in near-freezing January weather. If you would like to learn more, see some dazzling photographs and even listen to a video clip of me playing please visit my website. Either ‘Google’ JustGiving and go to Rupert Gosling’s page, or go to
www.justgiving.co.uk/high-sheriff-essex
Should you feel you have missed out on the fun, you could give the Fund a final push.
 I attended many awards ceremonies during the year. I think they are a valuable way of encouraging people in their work and are always an enjoyable occasion. When I presented the awards for the Essex Environment Trust I was given the task of opening the envelopes which revealed the name of the winners. In order to do this I discovered a new use for my sword which livened up proceedings.
Brentwood Cathedral was packed for The Justice Service in October. The choir, organist and congregation gave wonderful renderings of a programme of English-only music. The Bishop of Barking spoke to us about ‘wisdom’.
I have enjoyed supporting the Judiciary, Coroner, Police, Prison and Probation services and all the other enterprises I have visited. I attended several events with the Essex Fire and Rescue Service who do such wonderful work in the community.
I have been proud to represent the wonderful people of Essex. What an epic, memorable and happy year it has been.
Rupert Gosling
High Sheriff of Essex 2009/2010
|
