Devonshire ezine Spring 19

Guest Editor
HIGH SHERIFF AN ABSOLUTE HONOUR
We moved to Devon 31 years ago so we
are still in-comers. But I have come
to adore this county and particularly
my little patch, North Devon. So being
High Sheriff of Devon has been, for
me, a great honour and a wonderful
opportunity to give something back
to this special part of the world.
I have enjoyed every minute of my time
in office and have loved meeting and
encouraging all the amazing people
who give so much of themselves for
the good of others.
Carol service at Mid Devon Council
One of my first major engagements was
the Passing out Parade at Britannia
Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. One
of the jewels in Devon’s crown. The
cadets were so impressive, perfectly
drilled but also full of enthusiasm for
their new roles in Britain’s armed
forces.
I have enjoyed my contacts with all
our cadets. Before my Declaration
I was involved in choosing the High
Sheriff’s police cadet for the year.
They were all impressive youngsters
and I’m quite sure each one of them
would have done a brilliant job. It is
lovely to see police cadets working
in our community. Most people will
have come across them, always smartly
dressed and helpful, assisting the police
at major public events. They also do
quite a bit of behind the scenes work
with the police.
Another group of youngsters who have
made a strong impression on me is
the Devon Army Cadet Force. I was
privileged to visit their Summer Camp
which took place at Nescliff Army
Base near Shrewsbury in Shropshire.
More than 300 youngsters from Devon
were doing things they had never
done in their lives before - climbing
walls, abseiling, trying their hands
in the firing ranges, learning to sail
and canoe and taking part in group
adventures. Like all cadets, many are
from disadvantaged backgrounds and
these opportunities give them a chance
to gain in self-esteem, learn to work
with others and develop leadership
skills. The volunteers who work
with them are also amazing, giving
their time and expertise to help the
youngsters.
We have so many
wonderful people in
Devon
In fact, Devon is full of impressive
volunteers. 95% of cases are tried by
magistrates in this country and they
are all volunteers. We desperately need
more young magistrates and more
companies which are willing to allow
employees to take time off to volunteer.
Our agricultural shows are manned
by volunteer stewards. Devon County
Show stewards won the Queens Award
for Voluntary Service demonstrating
the standard of dedication of all our
volunteers.
There are volunteers running food
banks, helping in hostels, hospices and
hospitals all across the county and fund
raising for all manner of good causes.
I have been privileged to visit the North
Devon Hospice, Hospice Care in Exeter,
Little Bridge House Childrens’ Hospice,
the Freedom Centre in Barnstaple and
the Calvert Trust, just a few of the
many brilliant organizations run by
dedicated professionals but relying
on the help of volunteers.
I have also enjoyed gaining an insight
into the work of our emergency
services and the police, the law courts
and our prisons. All these services
employ highly trained individuals
who give 101 percent to what they do.
How lucky we are to have so many
wonderful people in Devon.
Grania Phillips - The Sheriff of Devon
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01395 512166
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