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It was a night to remember at this year\u2019s High Sheriff Awards \u2013 as one prize was shared by no fewer than six inspiring women for the first time in the event\u2019s history. <\/p>\n
The winners of the High Sheriff Awards 2019 were revealed at a glittering ceremony this evening, with inspiring people from across the county celebrated for their selfless contribution to society.<\/p>\n
George Vestey, High Sheriff of Suffolk, said the standard of entries was \u201cquite extraordinary\u201d \u2013 spoiling the judges to such an extent that, in one case, they chose to split an award between six worthy nominees.<\/p>\n
A total of nine High Sheriff Awards were presented, and the new Suffolk Medal was launched, at the ceremony hosted by BBC Radio Suffolk\u2019s Lesley Dolphin and Tim Holder, from Suffolk Community Foundation, at Wherstead Park on Thursday evening.<\/p>\n
The winners included six outstanding women who were nominated as Inspiring Leaders: Fiona Ellis from Survivors in Transition, Tara Somers from Homestart, Ann Osborn from The Coffee Caravan, Maureen Reynel from FIND Families in Need, Emma Ratzer from Access Community Trust, and Rebecca Crerar from Suffolk Refugee Support.<\/p>\n
In a first for the High Sheriff Awards, the judging panel felt they could not choose between the nominees \u2013 so elected to split the prize six ways.<\/p>\n
Other winners included a young arts trustee, a young people\u2019s project based at an army base, and a doctor who started the accident rescue service in Suffolk.<\/p>\n
Mr Vestey, whose year-long term as High Sheriff ends this month, said: \u201cLast night was an incredible ceremony, with so many great stories about what our amazing volunteers are doing to provide vital support their communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe standard of entries was quite extraordinary this year so to pick winners was really difficult. That said we had nine outstanding category winners who can be justifiably proud of their achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stephen Singleton, chief executive of Suffolk Community Foundation, added: \u201cAnother wonderful Suffolk celebration of all the great work that our local charities and community groups do to change local lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was particularly great to hear \u2018partnerships\u2019 be discussed and rewarded. Team Suffolk working together for the common good.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those attending the awards ceremony also saw the launch of the latest scheme designed to celebrate the work of those in the voluntary sector.<\/p>\n
The Suffolk Medal, designed by world-famous Suffolk artist Maggie Hambling, is the brainchild of George Vestey, and will be awarded to the first recipients on Suffolk Day on June 21, 2019.<\/p>\n
High Sheriff Awards 2019, winners:<\/p>\n
The following organisations also received grants from the High Sheriff\u2019s Fund:<\/p>\n