Hampshire’s Heroes Honoured for Going Beyond Duty
The High Sheriff of Hampshire 2017/18, Mrs Mary Montagu-Scott, has unveiled 16 outstanding individuals and groups awarded for their exceptional community service. These High Sheriff Awards shine a spotlight on volunteers, public servants, and organisations across Hampshire who’ve gone the extra mile to boost safety and harmony, especially through law and order projects.
Stars of the Show at Historic Winchester Ceremony
The awards were handed out on 14th March 2018 in the Great Hall, Winchester — home to King Arthur’s legendary Round Table, dating back to the 13th century. The distinguished recipients span from frontline Crime Prevention Officers to local volunteer groups tackling crime, supporting vulnerable people, and creating safer neighbourhoods.
The High Sheriff, Mary Montagu-Scott, said:
“The awards ceremony was an inspiring occasion. I’m proud to salute these unsung heroes whose tireless efforts keep communities safe and thriving. Seeing their dedication up close during my term has been truly commendable.”
Key Award Winners Making an Impact
- Sarah Cohen (Hampshire Constabulary): Crime Prevention Officer who launched ‘Operation Signature’ and ‘Banking Protocol’ to shield residents from fraud and scams.
- Helen Gaskell: Magistrate and Youth Offender panel chair committed to reducing reoffending and supporting excluded young people.
- Angela Smallwood: 15-year Victim Support volunteer offering vital help to victims of burglary, assault, domestic violence, and more.
- Basingstoke Street Pastors: Nightlife guardians providing safety and support on busy weekend evenings.
- Blue Lamp Trust (Eastleigh): Free home safety checks for elderly and vulnerable residents, including fire and security measures.
- Citizens Advice Winchester District Prison Team: Helping inmates with debt, housing, benefits, and family support to reduce reoffending.
- Hampshire Constabulary Volume Fraud Investigation Team: Tackling hundreds of fraud and cybercrime cases monthly across the county.
- Hampshire Fostering Network: Improving life chances for care youngsters with life skills training and support.
- Hawley Community Garden (Farnborough): Transforming a derelict site into a thriving garden, boosting community integration.
- Loud and Proud (Gosport): Youth-led group cutting petty crime by engaging local young people in positive activities.
- Police Medical Welfare Service (Andover): Supporting injured officers to boost recovery and wellbeing.
- Portsmouth Music Hub: Innovatively teaching CPR to 12,000 schoolchildren through catchy, heart-pumping songs.
- Tower House Horses CIC (Winchester): Offering equine-assisted therapy to ex-offenders and domestic violence perpetrators to change lives.
- Victim Support (Eastleigh): Providing face-to-face and phone support to crime victims to aid recovery.
- Yellow Door (Southampton): Tackling forced marriage, honour violence, and supporting abused children through specialist services.
- YMCA Weston Community Library: Running community activities in a deprived area, including job clubs and youth engagement to fight social isolation and anti-social behaviour.
Community Foundation Praises Award Winners
Jonathan Cheshire, Chair of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation, partner in running these awards, said:
“We’re proud to back the High Sheriff Awards, which celebrate grassroots heroes. Every recipient’s hard work makes Hampshire safer and stronger.”
These awards serve as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary efforts happening across Hampshire to protect, support, and uplift communities — far beyond the call of duty.
