High Sheriff Awards Hertfordshire Health Walk Team

The Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership are teaming up with the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire to celebrate her year themed Sport for Good with some special High Sheriff Recognition Awards.

On Friday 12^th July High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Annie Brewster JP presented Castle Park and Thorley’s Health Walk team with a Health Walks Making a Difference High Sheriff Award.

The Castle Park & Thorley Team have stepped up and revived the entry level walks. Five people were trained earlier this year and now four of these have completed their practical training and are fully fledged volunteers. The Volunteer team has doubled and this means an increase in the frequency of walks from alternative weeks to weekly, which is terrific news.

Sylvia Barrows, Lynne Ling and Paul Elliott have been fantastic leaders by providing extra support and care to elderly walkers and walkers from Bishop's House day centre. A special mention was also given to the Thorley Volunteers Nigel, Barbara and Paul again for always being there, being the movers and shakers and rebuilding the Thorley walk to pre covid numbers.

The walks now see 36 regular walkers getting out and about even in the winter months. Another special mention must go to Tony Pateman for his work in coordinating rotas for 8 walks in East Herts.

The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Annie Brewster JP said:

“What a stunning location to present one of my special High Sheriff awards at the Remains of Waytemore Castle to volunteer Sylvia Barrows and her dedicated Castle Park and Thorley teams who keep so many active including walkers from Bishop's House Day Centre. A 11^th century motte and bailey castle on the River Stort, it was an early stronghold of the Bishops of London! Well done to all the hard working volunteers and thank you for your continued efforts in keeping Hertfordshire healthy and happy. Even the local Police Community Support Officers came along to show their support to the team, showing what a supportive and safe environment these walks really are!

Thank you to Herts County Council for their continued support of Hertfordshire Health Walks. If you’d like to get involved with your local Health Walk by taking part or volunteering, you can find all the local Hertfordshire walks here: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks