28th March 2022
High Sheriff of Cumbria, David Beeby, welcomed people from around the county to an award ceremony recognising their tireless efforts to enhance and enrich the places where they live.
Individuals, community and voluntary-led groups, who often go unrecognised for their outstanding efforts, came together on Monday 21st March to celebrate their achievements and receive recognition and awards from the High Sheriff.
The awards are part of the High Sheriff’s Fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, and publicly recognise both charities and individual volunteers who help improve their communities.
Representatives from 15 organisations have been invited to attend the ceremony at Rose Castle in recognition of their service. The High Sheriff will hand out certificates and issue three recipients with the prestigious High Sheriff’s Shield.
Ending his shrieval year with a celebration, David said: “It has been a real privilege to visit well over one hundred organisations across Cumbria and to meet so many staff, volunteers and beneficiaries. All of them are making a real difference to so many people and to their communities.
“It was lovely to be together in person in the magical surroundings of Rose Castle to celebrate the achievements of some of these wonderful organisations.”
Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “There are an extraordinary number of voluntary and non-profit organisations working at the heart of our communities, and this is an opportunity for some of them to receive the recognition and support they deserve.”
The High Sheriff is one of the oldest Crown Offices, dating back to before the Battle of Hastings. As the Sheriff’s powers increased, they were considered to be a threat and in 1540 Henry VIII created Lord Lieutenants to take over the military duties. To this day, both the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sheriff are appointed by the Sovereign with the High Sheriff retaining an historical relationship with law and order and taking an active part in supporting and promoting voluntary organisations.
List of winners:
Shield:
The Community Chef Project
Youthability Youth Services
Cumbria Rape & Sexual Violence Partnership
Certificate:
1st Wigton Baden-Powell Scouts
Dalton Community Association
The Bee Team
Millom Network Centre Ltd
Distington Club for Young People
Cumbria Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs
Maryport and Solway Sea Cadets
West Cumbria Refugee Support Network
Carlisle Key
Alston Landscape Art Town Initiative
Citizens in Policing
Carlisle court staff