At four o'clock, Nick and I are whisked from Harlow to Bocking for the High Sheriffs' Awards, coordinated by the Essex Community Foundation. These awards are for organisations involving young people and community safety - High Sheriff Diana Kemp-Welch talks of 'turning young lives around', and clearly has a heart for young people.
We're in an enormous marquee-type building at the Fennes estate, jam-packed with mayors and chairs of councils, police, fire service personnel, voluntary organisations, young people, the Lord Lieutenant - it's a huge event, with 350 people in attendance. There's just time for a cup of tea, and a chat with Harlow Council's head of legal services, who's also here this afternoon, before we're seated and the award presentation begins.
Diana Kemp-Welch herself is here to introduce proceedings, resplendent in her feathered hat. She's no stranger to Harlow, having co-founded the young people's counselling service Young Concern - which is well represented here tonight by Neil, Jeff, Debbie and Robert.
Other Harlow organisations are also mentioned during the event - the Safer Harlow Partnership nominated for the High Sheriffs' Cup, and Accuro (Harlow Shared Care) actually winning the Essex Volunteer Centres' Award. It's heartening to hear so much about what's going on with young people in Essex, and some really imaginative schemes.
Then it's back into the other part of the marquee for a buffet supper and a chance to chat, before heading back home. It's been a long and busy day, so I hope I'm forgiven for lolling about fast asleep in the back of the car.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment