THREE key organisers behind the Battle of Evesham medieval events have had their efforts acknowledged by the High Sheriff of Worcester, Ian Smith.
Mick Hurst, his wife Sue and Chris Bloomfield were all surprised to receive a High Sheriff Award each in ‘recognition of great and valuable service to the community’ when the King’s representative for Worcestershire visited Evesham last Saturday (August 2) for the Battle of Evesham festival.
Mick, who is event director was presented with the awards on behalf of the trio after a commemorative service to the 13th Century soldiers who died in the 1265 battle had taken place at Abbey Park.
Mayor of Evesham, Councillor John Clatworthy, congratulates Mick Hurst. Picture Lise Evans
He said: “It was an honour to receive this award, we had absolutely no idea about it. Everyone was thrilled when I arrived back at the camp with the medals and certificates.
“I am very much associated with the event, but Sue and Chris are the ‘engine room’ behind me and don’t get the recognition they deserve.”
Chris Bloomfield, who manages the festival said he was ‘so very proud’ to have received the award.
“It has been a colossal effort bringing everything together for this year’s 760th anniversary event. Such an incredible achievement to be able to put on a festival of this size and quality organised and staffed entirely by volunteers.
“I am very proud to lead the volunteers – community support means everything to me and it is very gratifying to have received such recognition for my part in helping to make all of this possible.”
Mick became involved in the first Battle of Evesham reenactment in 2015 which was funded by Wychavon District Council as a one-off event.
After a three-year pause, he and Sue took it on as a community project in 2018, where it has run every year apart from 2020.
High Sheriff’s medal. Picture by Lise Evans
Sue, who keeps a firm eye on finances added: “I am chuffed to bits. It’s nice to be recognised, for all the volunteers really, not just me.”
High Sheriff of Worcester, Ian Smith said: “I was delighted to be asked to present High Sheriff Awards to Mick, Sue and Chris.
“They have been involved with the festival from the very outset and done a lot of the ‘heavy lifting’. They are the driving forces that have led it to the hugely successful level it is at today.
“That is exactly the sort of community-spirited action the awards are designed to recognise.”
The Office of High Sheriff is an independent, non-political Royal appointment for a single year, dating back to Saxon times.
Whilst the duties of the role have evolved, supporting the Crown and the judiciary remain central elements of the role today.
In addition, High Sheriffs actively lend support and encouragement to crime prevention agencies, emergency services, and the voluntary sector.
