High Sheriff Honours Diane Anstiss at King George V Junior parkrun

The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Annie Brewster JP attended the King George V Playing Field junior parkrun, Mill End to present parkrun volunteer Diane Anstiss a Celebration of parkrun Award for outstanding contribution to the parkrun community. The word had got around about a special guest attending, which secured the junior parkruns record attendance since it began!  

Diane is not only a parkrun volunteer, but has been with King George V junior parkrun from the very beginning and has volunteered an astonishing 247 times. Diane is amazing with parents and kids alike, making them feel comfortable and helping to support new runners and persuade others to volunteer. She is a key part of the team and can always rally some additional people together when they are short of volunteers.  

Three Rivers District Council, Councillor Chris Lloyd was in attendance as he volunteers on a regular basis at this junior parkrun and participates in the adult parkrun too. He took a new junior volunteer, Rosie under his wing and encouraged her to take on the role as 'tail walking' with him. Rosie now has the volunteering bug and is excited to volunteer at more junior parkruns.  

"Fantastic to witness a record number of 4-14 year olds taking on the King George V Playing Field, Mill End Junior parkrun and to present a surprise High Sheriff Award for outstanding contribution to the parkrun community to dedicated volunteer, Diane Anstiss, who has been here from the beginning, volunteering almost 250 times. Wonderful to see so many young Duke of Edinburgh’s Award students getting up early on a Sunday to volunteer, many of whom continuing long after they gain their award! Thank you Race Director, Isabel Montesdeoca, and Tail Walker, Chris Lloyd, for your lovely welcome and well done to Diane!” 

The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Annie Brewster JP

If Diane or young volunteer Rosie has inspired you to volunteer there are lots of ways to be involved. parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. parkrun is 5k and takes place every Saturday morning. Junior parkrun is 2k, dedicated to 4-14 year olds and their families, every Sunday morning. Head to the parkrun website to find your local event here.

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