High Sheriff awards Hertfordshire Health Walk Team

On Tuesday 23rd April High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Annie Brewster JP presented the first High Sheriff Award to Millstream First Steps walk team with special mentions to Jan Gates and Chris Haig.  

The Millstream Walk was at risk of stopping last year, low participation figures and a dwindling volunteer team made it doubtful whether it could continue. However, Jan Gates’ passion, recruitment and coordination skills ensured this fabulous First Steps walk continued and then went weekly in the Autumn of 2023. Since then, the walk has gone from strength to strength, recruiting Chris Haig who was recovering from a stroke, Melanie Grenyer and John Cliff. An amazing volunteer team who provide a safe space for people to walk and explore the outdoors.   

Thank you to Herts County Council for their continued support of Hertfordshire Health Walks.

A special mention was given to the Millstream Pub, which has been accommodating and welcoming to the walkers, especially for that warm drink afterwards. The award will be displayed at the pub so all the walkers can share its pride.  

The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Annie Brewster JP said: 

“I was overwhelmed at the stories we heard from everyone about how this walk has changed their lives, both physically and mentally.  Congratulations and thanks must go to Jan and her fabulous team of volunteers who lead the walks and make everyone feel so welcome.”  

The Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership is excited about the year ahead, during which they will be recognising lots more local volunteers and celebrating their continued hard work to help get more people more active, more often. 

For further details of the event and the High Sheriff’s visit, please contact Jane Parker j.parker20@herts.ac.uk.