High Sheriff’s Awards are made for great and valuable service to the county. In addition, High Sheriff’s Special Recognition Awards were given for exceptional acts of compassion and outstanding contributions to the welfare of the community during the coronavirus pandemic. Here is a small selection of awards given out in recent times.
Wells Festival of Literature is an entirely volunteer-run organisation that has, for more than three decades, inspired a love of reading, learning and creativity across Somerset. Now the largest volunteer-run literary festival in the UK, it attracts thousands of attendees each year and is committed to supporting education in local schools.
The scale of this achievement is truly remarkable, and a High Sheriff award was presented to Chairman, Richard Manning, on behalf of this exceptional team, in recognition of their outstanding and sustained contribution to the community.
Clive Powell JP has given an extraordinary four decades of voluntary service to the administration of justice in Somerset. As a magistrate of 40 years, and more recently as Chair of the Somerset Magistrates’ Bench, he has demonstrated unwavering commitment, deep integrity and exemplary leadership within one of the county’s most vital civic roles.
Arnold Wills has made an exceptional contribution to Somerset through his leadership of the Wells Cathedral Choristers Trust. Since becoming Chairman in 2019, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that the opportunity to be a Chorister is accessible to every talented child, most notably by creating the Coronation Fund, which raised an extraordinary £500,000 in just two years and enables one Chorister each year to attend Wells Cathedral School on an almost full bursary.
Wincanton Fire Cadets is the only fire cadet unit in Somerset and has grown into a thriving, highly active group that attracts young people from across the county. Its success is driven by the exceptional commitment of its volunteer leaders — Matthew Coombes, Dave Pond, Zibi Kopyto and Amber Matthews, who give their time, energy and expertise to deliver regular, high-quality training sessions. Their enthusiasm and unwavering dedication create a supportive environment where cadets can develop practical skills, confidence and teamwork. Their contribution to the lives of Somerset’s young people is truly outstanding.
As CEO and Founder of Passion for Somerset, Nigel has shown exceptional leadership in bringing people, businesses and communities together across the county. Through this not-for-profit initiative, he has worked tirelessly to inspire pride in Somerset’s heritage, champion its opportunities and strengthen the connections that help communities thrive.
Kate has given many years of dedicated service as team leader of the Weston-super-Mare Police Cadets. Through her time and energy, she has guided cadets in developing policing skills and taking part in wider community initiatives, inspiring young people and making a lasting impact on both the cadets and the community they serve.
Anthony has shown remarkable dedication, using his exceptional talent as a violinist to raise funds for charitable causes, from performing across the Bath and Wells Diocese in support of Ukraine as well as Somerset charities, to European cathedrals and hotels raising money for UNICEF.
Devito’s Circus, led by Mark Foot and David Devito, is a shining example of what can be achieved with passion and determination. Together they have created an all-embracing, all-inclusive circus that not only entertains but also creates a safe, welcoming space for children and young people to learn new skills, build confidence and feel a real sense of belonging.
Equally inspiring is Children’s World, led by Angela Bolton, which has been enriching the lives of children since 1981. With a particular focus on those with special needs, the charity delivers workshops, residencies and school projects that are creative, inclusive and life-enhancing for children and their families.
Being able to recognise some of the great contributions made by individuals and groups within Somerset has been an enormous privilege. My only regret is that I could not have awarded more...
Jock Hedderwick - proposed by Promise Works for his work as a long time (20 year plus) mentor at Promise Works, during which time he has helped many young people find a new purpose and direction in their lives.
Terry Pulling, nominated by Henstridge Parish Council, for his work in maintaining the sports grounds adjacent to the Village Hall on a voluntary basis for 40 years.
Kirsty Crossman, nominated by the Somerset Lieutenancy to mark her retirement and to reflect her many years of service with Avon and Somerset Police in their Royal Support unit.
Graham Meikle, Deputy District Commissioner with Axe Valley Scouts for many years of dedicated and enthusiastic service and with particular focus on learning and compliance.
Anne Gell for all that she has done in the last year, when she has been acting as Dean of the Cathedral, in leading all those connected with the Cathedral and in helping the organisation regain equilibrium and harmony.
Tish Johnson, nominated by the Chair of Avon and Somerset Magistrates, for many year’s service as a Magistrate, affiliated to the Taunton court.
Stephen Sperring nominated by the Chair of Avon and Somerset Magistrates, for many year’s service as a Magistrate, affiliated to the Yeovil court.
Mary Bide, acting Precentor of Wells Cathedral, for her work during the last year in being willing to come out of retirement to take on the role of Precentor and help guide worship within the Cathedral.
Jackie Croft, the Cathedral Clerk, for her work during the last 6 years in ensuring that the Cathedral was in the best possible place to face future challenges.
Chard Community Hub for the work that they are doing in Chard to help members of the local community, with a range of activities and advice, including repairing of both household articles and clothing.
During the 10 years that the race has been running around the Chew Valley the organising committee have raised over £50,000 for a variety of local charities, so I was delighted to be able to make the award to Denise Mellersh on behalf of the Committee as the prize giving ceremony at the 2023 event came to an end.
Over the years Paula Wills has raised over £2 million for charities in Somerset and the South West. At present she is championing the incredible work undertaken by Canine Partners and so a fundraising Summer Lunch was a perfect moment to highlight Paula's achievements.
Tessa Armstrong set up the charity Voices for Life and has been instrumental in introducing many primary school children to the powers of music through a series of incredible musical productions across the South West.
Justin Fudge works within the Lieutenancy Office but has been a great friend to a succession of High Sheriffs, and has been particularly helpful in relation to the Legal Service. We'd all be lost without him!
Sam Plummer works for Youth Connect South West and has been doing great work with young people in Radstock.
Ali Sanderson has been actively involved in promoting and running the West Somerset Food Kitchen and Pantry, based in Minehead and serving large parts of the surrounding area.
Yeovil Street Pastors have been patrolling the streets of Yeovil on a Saturday night for many years now, bringing assistance to those who need it in a compassionate and non-judgmental way.
The one of the primary duties of the High Sheriff is to support those all who maintain The Queen’s Peace and who protect and support their fellow citizens. Our history means that High Sheriffs have a close connection with the Police and in Somerset we share Avon and Somerset Constabulary with the High Sheriffs of Bristol and Gloucester.
Andy Marsh, QPM was chief constable of Avon and Somerset Police from February 2016 to July 2021, having previously been chief constable of Hampshire Constabulary. His policing career commenced as a recruit at Avon and Somerset in 1987; later became assistant chief constable in several regional police forces. He is now chief executive officer of the College of Policing.
I met Andy a number of times before I became High Sheriff and I was immediately impressed at his approach to tackling crime and its sources but also for the way he empowered his officers and built fierce loyalty. It has been both my experience and that of my predecessors that Andy had been far more than a senior Police officer and his approach has made the largely rural county of Somerset a much safer place.
Where traditional farming had failed a new approach has succeeded in providing land-based education, conservation and community support. From its beginning in the 1990s Bath City Farm’s vision has been to build a healthy community rooted in nature, food, farming and each other, to educate, improve wellbeing and transform lives. Based in the communities of Twerton and Whiteway, which are in the top 20 per cent of 'highly deprived' areas in England and with the highest percentage of children living in poverty in B&NES (after housing costs.)
Twerton and Whiteway are challenged by modern social inequalities which – to many – are invisible when Bath is viewed as a whole. Food poverty, mental and physical health are some of the growing issues as increasing numbers of people live alone or lack a support network. Three times as many young people face loneliness compared to older people and lonely people are twice as likely to have a mental health issue. The farm plays a vital part in offering social connection and support.
The farm now supports over 800 people a year through a range of projects in animal care, horticulture and catering. Aimed at supporting adults with complex health and social needs and young people facing adversity, these projects grow confidence, social networks and teach new skills.
It also maintains the farm as a free community resource and welcomes 40,000 visitors a year for recreation and education. A new Community Café will bring more opportunities and increase the farms operations substantially. A long-held vision passed on from the farms founding members and an exciting new community facility to benefit the local area.
Bath City Farm is an excellent model of one charity working to help others achieve overlapping goals and greater impact. There are many local charities and organisations who by working with the farm are able to carry out life changing work locally and across the city.
A true community anchor organisation.
So many communities have responded to the challenges of the pandemic. In my travels I have seen vaccination programmes which have worked in partnership with local volunteering. In Bruton there has been a wonderful community effort but also one of the few “Pharmacy led” vaccination programmes in Somerset.
The Bruton Pharmacy is a private enterprise run by Swapn and Divyesh Patel who were operating the local pharmacy as Covid struck. Even though they do not live in the town, they established a vaccination programme in the Bruton Community Hall which has given over 18,000 doses.
There are so many people who have supported this initiative from their administrators, Saurabh Javari and Abby Harrington who was working in the Pharmacy in her gap year; to the local Rotary Club, headed by Colin Juneman, who supplied a team of volunteers as did a team of locals headed by Cllr Karen Baker.
This award is for private and community effort during a crisis and although awarded to Bruton is also a recognition of all the vaccination centres across Somerset.
Casey has been the Secretary of the Somerset County Federation of Women’s Institutes (SCFWI) for the last nine years and I am told she “is simply the best Secretary WI in Somerset has ever had”. The font of all knowledge about the WI in general and Somerset Federation in particular; she has supported four County Chairs, runs the Federation office with super-efficiency and is eager to embrace new technology to keep the Federation at the cutting edge.
Casey is a favourite with WI members as they know she can be relied upon and, in the unlikely event of her not knowing the answer, she will promise to find out, and always does! She is a true Ambassador for the Federation, always encouraging existing members and recruiting new ones with her infectious enthusiasm.
Throughout the pandemic, Cassie ensured that WI business continued as usual, set up and ran monthly talks on Zoom, so that no member felt left out and at the same time oversaw the move and building works for the new WI headquarters in Bridgwater.
Casey is a star.
I attended the official opening of the Minehead Community Centre last August which realised a major project by Minehead Town Council to build a new Community Building on the Recreation Ground. With solar panels and underfloor heating, full disability access and electric car charging points it is part of Council’s ambition to promote Minehead as a ‘Green Town’.”
The design means that the layout can be quickly and easily changed from an exercise class to a formal meeting or social function, or from a training course to a whist drive. There are changing rooms and a community hall with catering and bar facilities all built to accommodate as many users as possible. Still a regular home for Minehead Association Football Club it is also used other sports and activity clubs as well as wider community use, including the Minehead Town Council for all their council meetings.
As well the Community Building, the Recreation Ground also benefits from the refurbishment work to the tennis courts and converting the basketball court to a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and an outdoor gym, which is free to use.
The refurbishment of the Recreation Ground has long been an ambition of the Town Council and it has been made possible by the Council attracting partnership funding from a wide range of organisations including Hinkley Point CIM Fund, Somerset West and Taunton S106 Developers’ contributions, the Football Foundation, Jewson’s’ Building Better Communities Fund, the Fairfield Trust and the Clarks Foundation.
It was made very clear to me that none of this would have happened without the energy and hard work of one notable individual who secured the fund raising, solved the problems solved and saw the project delivered. The individual who made this happen was Colin Johnson and with the support of the Town Council I was very pleased to give him the award.
On 16th March 2019 Jason Hawkes contacted Chard Town Council members to promote an initiative to support the most vulnerable people in the town. Within a few days a committee had been formed, with funding from Chard Town Council and things were moving!
Very quickly a COVID Response was established, with Jason and Cllr’s Baker and Wootton representing Chard Town Council, Chard Town Team, Chard Churches Together, together with other community groups and individuals all stepping forward to help.
The Guildhall was established as the nerve centre co-ordinating over 300 volunteers who sorted donations, collected, and delivered around 5000 prescriptions. The group shopped and delivered groceries to vulnerable and isolating people and initiated a phone buddy system to address isolation. By April 2020 the group had started making hot food for families and individuals identified by the Safeguarding Team. Over 800 meals were cooked and eaten.
The group closed in July 2020 as the need decreased and volunteers returned to work. Lasting friendships and links had been made across the community. The Mayor of Chard recognised the work done by Jason and in turn I recognised the community support group for all they had achieved.
Grenville Jones has always been involved with choirs and singing; he is well-known and has appeared on radio and television across the world through his work with the Goldies Charity that he founded in 2007 and for his reputation of getting people of all ages to sing!
He has raised thousands of pounds for both national and local charities and in July 2012 he received an honorary doctorate from Bath Spa University in recognition of his reputation for bringing music to all age groups in communities across the West and Wales.
Grenville started Goldies in 2008 and it now has a team of over 50 talented session leaders and numbers of sessions approaching 160 across England and Wales.
He also leads 14 choir projects including the famous City of Bath Male Choir, which received national acclaim in the popular BBC’s “Last Choir Standing” series. He works with the BBC in Bristol on choir projects for Children in Need and over 800 people enjoy singing in his various choirs; many of which then go on to raise funds for their locally selected charities.
Larger than life but always focusing on bring people together to enjoy the companionship and company of singing whatever their ability.
Always a fundraiser, Jill started the Saltford Craft Fair in the 1980’s raising funds for Cystic Fibrosis and street orphans in Naples and after many good works became the organiser of four of the bi-annual Saltford Village Festivals. These festivals involve around 80 events over 9 days with at least 30 organisations involved and supported by a great number of local people.
With her husband Reg, Jill started Saltford’s "Books on the Wall" - selling books for charity from their front garden wall. Originally raising funds for the RUH these now go to the Saltford Community Association and over £10,000 has been given to the Community Association.
Jill also organised children theatre shows, usually in the Christmas holidays, to get the children out of the house. Jill attacks all her ideas with enthusiasm and always in support of her community.
Boxing has always been a central part of John’s life, initially as a boxer and then as a coach. He boxed until an injury in 1988 eventually forced him to hang up his gloves. Living in Weston – Super – Mare John then volunteered to coach at the Weston Amateur Boxing Club and over time he became the Head Coach.
In his time at the Club, he has coached young boxers to become National and Regional Western Counties Finalists and Champions. However, a greater part of his time has been dedicated to giving young kids from all backgrounds access to boxing and the chance to build self-confidence.
He has selflessly given his time to coach young people, for free, for over 27 years, supporting the young boxers from Weston-Super-Mare. It is well accepted that without John, Weston Amateur Boxing Club probably would not exist today.
John has given generations of young people the opportunity to express themselves through boxing.
Kim Watts is a Manager for Citizens Advice South Somerset Debt Advice service and for the last fifteen years she has helped those with the pressures of unmanageable debt, helped in part by her 22 years’ experience as an HSBC Branch Manger.
Kim is a leading debt specialist and also the deputy CEO of the Citizens Advice South Somerset. As well as her own heavy caseload she oversees the work of five other debt caseworkers. It is well accepted, by her colleagues that Kim goes way over and above her duties to do everything possible to help; whether to put an individual or family back onto a stable financial footing or to challenge injustice or unfair practice that has caused financial detriment.
Widely known and respected by all, Kim led a remarkable change to Citizen’s Advice to ensure continuity of their vital Service throughout the Covid Pandemic. The lockdown was a worrying time for both staff and volunteers, and the pandemic created a whole new cohort of clients who were facing new and immediate financial pressures. Kim achieved the over-night switch from an office-based service to remote working without losing a day of service.
It is not every day that the person you hear busking on the streets of a Somerset town is an international award-winning trumpeter. Luis Martelo has become a fixture on the streets of Taunton, as well as other towns like Watchet and Minehead, playing for the people of each town as part of his payback to Society following his own time as a rough sleeper.
Originally from Portugal, Luis played during his military service but the breakdown of his parent’s marriage found himself homeless and eventually spending three years living on the streets. He eventually moved to London where he turned his life around and for this, he has committed himself to payback the help he received.
In London Luis met his wife, they adopted two children and chose to settle in the South West, initially as a factory worker. He then worked hard rebuilding his skills and received the first of many awards at the 2020 Global Music Awards in the Best Instrumentalist category.
The Covid pandemic could have derailed his career. However, as the pandemic caused chaos all around, he simply bought a speaker and continued playing on the streets for anyone who was there to listen. He has also probably played in around 75 percent of the care homes in and around Taunton, Watchet and Minehead.
Luis' profile is now growing by the day, with concerts booked across the world.
Luis could have been broken by his time living on the streets but instead he believes he has a responsibility to help others and so he gives freely of his time and energy to help others.
Somerset is a large county and in normal times High Sheriffs are able to visit police stations to meet and thank officers. High Sheriff’s also support the Avon & Somerset Constabulary through our charity – High Sheriff of Somerset CT - and with the giving of Police Awards. All of this is only possible with the active support and encouragement of the Police and for a number of years my predecessors have been very lucky to have been helped in our role by the (now) retired Superintendent Mike Prior.
Mike was Police Area Commander for the County of Somerset from 2017 – 2021, but aside from operational delivery of neighbourhood policing he was a key member of very many community-based policing partnerships covering safeguarding of vulnerable adults and children, the implementation of COVID-19 and wider wellbeing groups, business, rural crime, the huge impact of the Hinkley Point C development and so much more. Before he joined the Police, he was an officer in the Royal Navy,
Mike was a great friend and help to the High Sheriffs of Somerset.
Fairfield House in Bath was the family home of His Excellency Haile Selassie during his exile during WW2 and to this day his former home is a place of pilgrimage to Rastafari worldwide. The house was given to the city by His Excellency to provide for older citizens.
For the last 27 years the house has been the base of the Bath Ethnic Minority Senior Citizens Association (BEMSCA) which provides day-care service for older people, from Caribbean, Asian and Chinese heritage.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the house had to close but that did not stop BEMSCA supporting its community and it delivered hot meals and food parcels, as well as practical help and social engagement to combat loneliness.
One person stands out as an integral part of BEMSCA throughout; Pauline has been a community worker for over 40 years with a determination to secure inclusion where there may be social and racial inequality. As the BEMSCA Manager she has done so much for so many older people from the Caribbean, Asian and Chinese communities.
Richard started out his career as a journalist on the Weston Mercury before moving to BBC Radio in 1973. The following year he moved back to the West Country to become the local ITV news channel’s youngest ever reporter where he then stayed for over four decades to become a familiar and much-loved presenter.
It is however Richard’s special interest in history and heritage that led to his creating Bath Newseum. This is an on-line daily blog of local matters concerning history and heritage as well as local issue and news stories. Richard’s daily output mixes “Pic of the Day” with local news and informed commentary.
The content contains useful and important messaging and recognition, during the lockdown his cheerful and positive messages were a bright start to every day – he posts his message very early every morning. Richard has run Bath Newseum for ten years and he now reaches almost 5,000 followers every day.
All of this is local knowledge and information is supplied entirely free of cost and is Richard’s contribution to the city he loves.
After the sudden, unexpected death of the owner of the thriving Roadwater village shop it seemed certain it would close until the village stepped in. Money was raised from the village by selling shares just to purchase stock and lease the shop until further decisions could be made on the shop's future.
For three years the shop was managed by a group of volunteer directors, employing the original part-time staff on together with over 40 volunteers from the village.
A Community Benefit Society (CBS) was formed to run the shop, again with support from the community. In 2017, at a village meeting attended by 102 residents, there was unanimous agreement to lease the shop until there were sufficient funds to purchase the business. A year later the new CBS had raised the funds and bought the shop for the village, with all profits applied for further community benefit. There followed an ambitious rebuild and extension which included a post office; in addition to food the shop also sold newspapers ran a plant exchange and now has a cafe area. Innovative stocking ensured most products are offered at affordable price points and contain a good range of local products.
Most of the money was raised locally through shares and donations, plus grants from donors. To ensure democracy a minimum shareholding of £25 carries automatic membership of the CBS, with voting rights.
The strategy included creating a community hub and this has been realised by creating a space for local people to socialise and also to access information and support. The shop makes a “profit” and that allows the community shop to have great plans for the future to increase the services and benefits for the community.
This is not just a shop - it's a community centre that sells food".
Sandra joined the NHS as a trainee nurse in 1982, and moved through nursing into clinical strategy, programme director and senior manager professional roles. She led research and its practical translation into innovation & improvement in areas such as Hip and Knee, Cancer, Diabetes and Pressure Ulcers so there are many patients who still benefit from that early work.
However, it was as Director of Quality and Nursing during the pandemic that she led the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Mutual Aid Cell for the Somerset. The purpose of this cell was to ensure a co-ordinated approach with Public Health England and Somerset County Council.
This was particularly necessary when PPE was in very short supply and Sandra worked tirelessly to ensure fairness of supplies especially to care homes, hostels for the homeless and for those in traveller communities.
Sandra had also headed the planning for the winter flu campaign and so was invaluable in the early days of planning for the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Her work ethic and commitment to a challenging role is all the more special as she and her family have suffered with poor health which has now forced her early retirement.
A remarkable career in the NHS spanning nearly 40 years, the last five of which have been serving the people of Somerset at a time of greatest need.
In 2012 Sue was elected as the first Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Avon and Somerset Constabulary and she served two terms as PCC (getting over 54% of the vote in her second election) and then the pandemic lead to her serving a further year as elections were delayed.
The role of the PCC was created in 2011/12 and includes the appointment and management of our Chief Constable and is the bridge between local public and the Police. This is a lot more than an oversight role as the PCC is responsible for the strategic direction of policing, supporting and challenging police performance, commissioning services and awarding grants. The PCC produces the Police and Crime Plan, which outlines the strategic direction for their term in office.
Her time in this role has involved her in changing the Chief Constable and seeing policing through some very difficult times when the police are under great public scrutiny and financial pressures. In all my dealings with the Police I have heard nothing but praise for the work she has done.
Sue is also the Chair of Quartet, the Community Foundation for the northern part of Somerset with Bristol. From the moment the pandemic made itself felt in March 2020, Quartet embarked on its busiest year ever assessing and awarding more grants than ever before giving in 2020/21 was £5.2 million.
A remarkable and persistent service to Somerset.
On a hot day in early July, I was lucky enough to be taken to meet Vince Davis by Justin Sargent of Somerset Community Foundation. It was the end of a long day, but there, in a tired industrial estate on the edge of Bridgwater lies a community garage run by the charismatic Vince Davis. A simple building housed a hive of industry with a joyful and eccentrically decorated interior.
The community garage is staffed by experienced motor mechanics in a fully equipped workshop working on MOTS, crash repairs and vehicle customisation. This was all happening in a considered way to allow those on universal credit and low income to keep their cars safely and affordably on the road.
However, that is only half the story because this is a garage with a difference. Vince had experienced lifelong mental challenges so in setting up Rusty Road he wanted to help people suffering with their own mental health challenges; he wanted them to be able to work as part of a team as well as encourage artistic expression with equipped and supervised workshops for airbrush art, wood working, copper sculpturing.
Each and every person at Rusty Road 2 Recovery has lived experience of mental health issues so no-one is the odd one out. It is a very relaxed and friendly place to be – largely driven by tea. Individuals have a full day session each week either by self-referral or through social workers or other healthcare partners. On the day I was there I met some of the 30 individuals who were being taught skills and being part of the team that week.
This is a remarkable enterprise which shows a real commitment where likeminded people help each other regain their confidence in a safe a non-judgemental environment.
Vince you are an inspiration.
Congratulations to everyone who received Awards during this very tough year.
Mary-Clare presents Iona White, founder of help for HOMELESS, with the High Sheriff’s Award for her tireless work in helping homeless people across Somerset.
Jenny Rutter, director and coach at Nova Sports & Coaching, is presented with a High Sheriff’s Special Recognition Award for her outstanding work in getting sports equipment to people with disabilities during the pandemic.
In February 2020, just before the first lockdown, a multi-faith celebration of volunteering was held in Wells Cathedral.
