LCM Hertfordshire High Sheriff visits Borough of Broxbourne

 Throughout her year as High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Sarah Beazley is focusing on building stronger communities, with a particular interest in interfaith and integration initiatives. 

The High Sheriff arrived at Bishops’ College Council Offices and was greeted by the Mayor of Broxbourne, Cllr Carol Crump, for refreshments in the Mayor’s Parlour, before visiting Broxbourne Foodbank, to be greeted and given a tour by Cllr Jeremy Pearce. 

The next stop of the High Sheriff’s visit was St Joseph’s Primary School, Waltham Cross, where she had the opportunity to interact and engage with the students, and watch a dance rehearsal. The school is working towards a Wellbeing Award and there is a strong focus on the emotional and mental support available for pupils, alongside their academic work. 

Following this, the High Sheriff was given a tour of Cedars Park by Broxbourne Council officers and Friends of Cedars Park group members, with an emphasis on plans for new bee hives and the achievements in the Cedars Nature Centre (CNC). The High Sheriff had the opportunity to plant a rose as part of the garden renovation, to mark the occasion. 

The visit concluded with a visit to St Mary’s High School, where the High Sheriff was greeted by Head Teacher Stephanie Benbow and Deputy Head Teacher Steve Warner, who have led locally on a valuable school-based approach in response to youth violence and gang culture in the wider community. Working alongside St Giles Trust, the local Constabulary and supported by Broxbourne Borough Council, the Youth Violence Initiative is already making a difference to vulnerable young people and is an innovative project to prevent crime and protect young people and those who are at risk from gang culture and exploitation.

Also in attendance was Cllr Steve Wortley, Deputy Mayor of Broxbourne, Cllr Mark Mills-Bishop, Leader of Broxbourne Borough Council, and Jeff Stack, Chief Executive of Broxbourne Council. 

The High Sheriff has said: “It was my pleasure to spend a day in the Borough of Broxbourne with Mayor Carol Crump and Deputy Mayor Steve Wortley. As ever, it is so inspiring to meet those who give so much to their communities in different ways. I much enjoyed my visit and would like to thank the Mayor for her warm welcome and congratulate her on all that she has done for the Borough of Broxbourne, as she nears the end of her term.”

The Mayor of Broxbourne, Cllr Carol Crump, said: “I’m immensely proud of everything we have achieved in our Borough, and it was an honour to share all of it with the High Sheriff as she begins her year in role.” 

For more information on the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire and her civic duties, please visit: www.highsheriffofhertfordshire.org.uk.