High Sheriff thanks volunteers

High Sheriff of Essex, Nick Alston, visited his birth town to thank volunteers for their community spirit.
Mr Alston, who was born at Harwich Police Station, visited Community Voluntary Services Tendring’s Dovercourt and Harwich Hub on Wednesday, November 16.
He met staff and volunteers before handing out three special High Sheriff Awards to CVST trustee Indi Allen for her extensive volunteering across Tendring, Bernie Goldman from the Clacton Volunteer River Ninjas and Clacton Volunteer Litter Pickers, and CVST Youth Inspired Tendring volunteer Crystal Gillet.
Mr Alston said: “My theme for this year is volunteering.
“Volunteering is so important to the many organisations that CVST supports.
“The things Indi has done for the community have been incredible especially in ensuring those who need meals receive them. I want to say thank you to her for that and all her other work.
“The litter picks Bernie has done, including the beach litter pick, make a real difference to the community and it’s wonderful he has led that.
“And Crystal! It’s not always easy as a young person to step forward, and not only has she got stuck in, she has also been good at encouraging others.”
Crystal Gillet, 17, who joined CVST’s youth forum earlier this year and has already taken part in volunteering efforts including a community garden action day and a project to help vulnerable residents tidy their gardens, said it was the first time she has ever received an official award.
She added: “I was very surprised and shocked about winning an official award from the High Sheriff.
“He was chill and really nice and friendly.”
CVST chair Brenda Ellis, said staff and volunteers were all pleased to meet with the High Sheriff who took the time to speak to everyone.
She added: “I agree with Mr Alston on just how important volunteering is to our community.
“And it was lovely to see the hard work of three brilliant volunteers being recognised with an award.
“As a voluntary organisation, CVST sees first-hand the difference our amazing volunteers make to the lives of those around them as well as how volunteering helps them with their own wellbeing and sense of purpose.”
To find out more about CVST or volunteering visit www.cvstendring.org.uk.