PERSHORE’S vital voluntary sector received a VIP visit from High Sheriff Charles Moyle JP on November 15.
The King’s representative for Worcestershire visited five organisations in the town that make a difference to the local community including the foodbank and wellbeing hub.
Hosted by Pershore Town Council, Charles was keen to meet the volunteers who go above and beyond to help and support residents in their local community and surrounding area.
Along with the mayor of Pershore, Councillor Richard Grantham, deputy mayor, Coun Julie Hemming and town clerk, Charlie MacIntyre, they visited the Pershore Volunteer Centre, Pershore Community Cupboard, Pershore Heritage Centre, Pershore Foodbank and Pershore Wellbeing hub.
Charles told the Observer: “My visit to the Pershore Volunteer Centre was a hugely rewarding experience. Without these wonderful volunteers so many people within our community would not have access to shops or doctors, post offices or libraries.
“Perhaps more importantly the Pershore volunteer teams offer friendship and companionship to many isolated souls living in our rural villages and hamlets. They are a backbone of our community and we are lucky to have them.
“I would urge anyone with a free morning to offer themselves as a volunteer to help alleviate the issues so prevalent in our society.”
They also undertook a brief visit to the banking hub in the library and enjoyed a talk from the Pershore Placeboard over lunch.
Coun Grantham said the town council was delighted to facilitate the visit and added: “I was extremely proud to showcase some of our finest volunteers, who no doubt help to save so many of our residents from hardship.
“It was humbling to see Charles interact with those volunteers, and genuinely interested in what they do. It will be a great pleasure to have him back here to award these volunteers with a High Sheriff award in the new year.”
Whilst the visit didn’t manage to incorporate all volunteering organisations in the town, it is hoped he will be able to visit more organisations in the future.
The Office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year, originating back to Saxon times.
Whilst the duties 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.
