Local heroes from across the Lancaster district have been recognised by the outgoing High Sheriff of Lancashire.
Lancaster’s Helen Bingley OBE JP DL described the event at Shire Hall at Lancaster Castle as her ‘highlight of the year’, as a number of individuals and organisations were given High Sheriff Awards for their contribution to the local community.
Helen, who steps down from her year in the role later this week, presented Escape2Make a certificate to recognise the development of much needed support for young people in Lancaster and Morecambe.
Jenny Nautsch, founder member, Siobhan Collingwood CEO and several of the young people from the youth board attended to receive the award.
Yak Patel, from Lancaster District Community and Voluntary Solutions, received the award for his lifetime commitment to improving the health and well-being of people who live in Lancaster and Morecambe.
Victoria Crossman, interim Head Teacher at Central Lancaster High School received the award for her deep passionate commitment to developing education for the children who attend the school.
Joanna Olkuska, Head Teacher of the Polish Saturday School in Lancaster and Morecambe received the award for the work she and the other teachers do to support children who live outside Poland to learn the Polish language and retain their cultural heritage, and also for sustaining the school for 20 years.
Jane Lippett and Lana, co-chairs from East Meets West, received the award for the work they do to support refugee women and preschool children in Lancaster and Morecambe. They provide drop in sessions where people form friendships crossing cultural and linguistic barriers.
The High Sheriff is the King’s representative in the County for all matters relating to the Judiciary and the maintenance of law and order. The office of High Sheriff is held for one year. The main role is to protect, and assist in upholding, the dignity and well-being of HM Judges, as well as undertaking other public duties, including the support and encouragement of the voluntary sector and the Emergency Services.
The office of High Sheriff is carried out on a voluntary basis and the holder does not receive any salary or expenses.
Charity champion for youth and prison charities, Jim Carter, is to become Lancashire's new High Sheriff. He will be installed in the position in a ceremony at County Hall in Preston on Friday.
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