LANCASHIRE News from and about members

Astrictly wonderful year!

AFTER SEVERAL monthsofvaried and engaging experiences, Ireceivedin November an unexpected request to ‘open the voting’when Strictly Come Dancing visited Blackpool. Afterconsiderable debate and analysisofthe situation, and having been emboldened by 007’s parachuting companion,Iaccepted. This turned out to be anotherunique and wonderful engagement, although being introduced withSir LennyHenryaspart of ‘the country’s best lovedcomedy duo’ was somewhat surreal. Everyyear in Lancashirethe High Sheriff has the honour of hosting the Young Citizen of the Year Awards. This year we had averyimpressive list of winners who demonstrated apassionfor improving their communities that was quite extraordinary.The youngpeopleof presented them with Commendations. It our publicservices at which we had an todayoftendonot get proper credit for wasanextremely happy occasion and they intense interactiveday togethertoidentify theiractions, and it was amost uplifting all took greatpride in being recognised opportunities and waysofmaking faster experience to hear of their dynamism, for their outstanding work, as well as progress. Iamhopeful that thisinitiative creativity and compassion, and to meet enjoying listeningtothe citations of will gain traction and bearfruit in the them all. Like many of my shrieval their peers and havinganopportunity to near future. experiences it was memorable. networkafterwards over tea and cakes! My shrievalyear has been adelightful In MarchIinvited 15 voluntary Oneofthe themes Ibecame aware blend of insightful visits and special organisationstocome to aHigh Sheriff’s of when visiting our public services events in wonderful venues, together with AwardCeremonyinCounty Hall whereI throughoutthe county was the need the opportunity to meetsomany fine Topright: With the winner of Lancashire’s and desiretodevelop better ways of people who make such apositiveimpact YoungCitizen of the Year AwardJessica delivering their objectives through closer on our county.Ithas been agreat honour Basquill, Joel Arber of the sponsor UCLan, and Andy Rhodes, Chief Constable partnerships with each other.Inan and privilege to hold the office and one Below: Preparing to open the voting on Strictly attempttopromote and encourage this which Iwillnever forget. Come Dancing with Claudia Winkleman and Sir theme of collaborativepartneringIhosted Lenny Henry Below right: Recipients of the High Sheriff’s an event (supported by the University of RobertWebb JP DL Awards at County Hall Central Lancashire) for all the leadersof High Sheriff of Lancashire, 2017-18

32 High Sheriff | Summer 2018