The High Sheriff of Worcestershire made a return visit to Pershore last Thursday to honour the indispensable volunteers who keep many of the town’s key community groups running.
The King’s representative for Worcestershire, Charles Moyle JP went to the Pershore Wellbeing Hub, Pershore Baptist Church and the Pershore Plus Volunteer Centre to present high sheriff awards to several people.
The Baptist Church is home to four organisations – Seedlings Toddler Group, Pershore Community Cupboard (that tackles food waste), Welcome Space (a warm hub) and the Pershore Baptist Church Fellowship.
Volunteers and members of these organisations all received acknowledgement for their efforts.
Baptist Church minister Rev James Martin was given special recognition for his exemplary leadership in steering the work at the church with a high sheriff’s medal award for outstanding commitment and achievement.
Rev Martin, who told the Observer he was not someone who sought the limelight said: “I was quite stunned and amazed when he gave me the award, I was very humbled.
“I don’t do what I do for recognition, I do it because I love what I am doing and I feel God is telling me to love people in the community and be kind to those who are struggling.
“I wouldn’t have had any of this if it wasn’t for the volunteers and what they do. My role has been to galvanise people to do something that we all believe is good.
“I just have the incredible privilege of working with all these folk.”
Charles, who was a guest of the town council, was accompanied on his visit by the mayor Councillor Richard Grantham and deputy mayor Coun Julie Hemming.
“Rev Martin is a fantastic community hero – a very special man,” Charles said.
He added that he had visited more than 300 charities during his tenure and had given about a dozen medals to individuals who go way above and beyond in their duty.
“I had the greatest of pleasure to visit three charitable institutions in Pershore and recognise the wonderful work undertaken by all their volunteer groups by offering High Sheriff Awards for their outstanding commitment to our community.
“Without these remarkable people investing so much of their time to enhance the lives of those less fortunate – our community would be a considerably poorer place.
“What they see as normal – I recognise as truly exceptional.”
