A stalwart supporter of people living in Evesham has been recognised for her efforts with a high sheriff’s award.
Sian Purton, manager of Wallace House Community Centre received the accolade for outstanding achievement and commitment to the community from the High Sheriff of Worcestershire, Charles Moyle JP on a visit to Evesham last week.
Around 60 people, including the Mayor of Evesham, Councillor Robert Raphael, gathered at the centre in Oat Street on March 25 for the presentation by Mr Moyle and a drinks reception.
Sian Purton on receipt of her award. Photo Peter Stewart
He told the Observer: “Sian is a living metaphor for what it means to be a community superstar.
“She gives not just her time to ensuring all who enter Wallace House have the warmest of welcomes but her ambitious desire to see it at the centre of community outreach is beyond reproach.
“She would be the first to underline the part played by the wider team, however, it is her leadership, dynamism and sheer decency of always trying to do the right thing for often the most vulnerable that makes her stand apart.
“Worcestershire is lucky to have people like Sian in our midst – she so deserves the recognition of winning her High Sheriff award.”
Charles Moyle JP and Sian Purton. Photo Peter Stewart
Sian, who started working at Wallace House as a general assistant in 2019, was nominated for this award by centre trustee Sandra Capaldi. She said she was ‘humble and proud’ to get it.
“Receiving a High Sheriff award is a huge honour and I’m extremely grateful to have even been nominated by community members.
“I can’t help our community without my team, partners, volunteers and the community members themselves. It was just so lovely to have so many people turn up to see the award being presented.”
A close-up of Sian’s special medal.
Wallace House Community Centre provides a base for a wide range of community groups and offers a diverse programme of activities for all ages, including sports, dance and art classes.
The High Sheriff gives High Sheriff’s Awards to recognise and celebrate the work of individuals or community groups within their county who make outstanding contributions to the communities in which they live or work.
