Who received commendations in the Hampshire High Sheriff awards?

The High Sheriff of Hampshire, Lady Edwina Grosvenor, revealed the 22 recipients receiving commendations for their great work in the community for law and crime-related projects at a ceremony in Winchester’s Great Hall on Wednesday, March 8.

The awards recognise volunteers, groups and public servants making a significant contribution to society by enhancing safety and unity in Hampshire communities. 

Around 100 people attended the event which is supported by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF). Chief executive Jacqui Scott said: “This year’s recipients are a truly inspiring and eclectic group of people, all working tirelessly during significant challenges to make Hampshire a better, safer place for everyone to live and work.” 

With her term ending this month, the awards were one of Lady Grosvenor’s last events as High Sheriff. She said: “All of today’s recipients of the High Sheriff Awards have shown innovation and tenacity in their respective fields, working tirelessly to make their communities safe and welcoming. In some cases, individuals have shown true bravery and I’m delighted to honour them today.”

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Colin White, from Chandler’s Ford, received his award for 30 years of “unblemished service” with Hampshire Constabulary. The now-retired police officer said: “It’s a real honour to be here and very rewarding to have my colleagues put me forward and say such kind words.

“Serving the police has been the biggest privilege of my life and I feel like I’ve been able to make a difference every day.”

Barry Large and Audrey Pederson accepted an award for Community Spirit, a project led by Gosport Voluntary Action.

Lady Edwina visited the team the day before to give her thanks to the rest of the staff who couldn’t be there in person. Audrey said: “I was flabbergasted by our nomination. We get a lot out of doing what we do including friendships and the reward of doing something positive.”

The award gave special recognition to Lucy Coates and Tanya Eagan who lead Gosport Voluntary Action’s inclusive volunteering projects and asked Barry and Audrey to attend on their behalf.

Basingstoke Borough and Hampshire County councillor Arun Mummalaneni was commended for his dedication to inclusivity, anti-racism and his work with the community kitchen throughout the pandemic. Cllr Mummalaneni said: “It’s my responsibility but I’m very proud. I didn’t know I’d gain recognition like this, it really gives me a boost. I hope the next generation are encouraged to help others.”

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Newly appointed chief constable Scott Chilton was there to show his support. Mr Chilton said: “It’s a wonderful occasion to celebrate some of the great achievements of Hampshire.

“There’s such a range of recipients from volunteers to people who have gone above and beyond in a professional capacity to improve our county. Hampshire has a really great tradition of volunteering and a reputation of people wanting to help others.”

The full list of individuals and groups who received special recognition for their work are as follows:  

Monty's Community Hub, Southampton: Innovative bicycle and community project in the Sholing area of Southampton.

Debbie Cornell, Portsmouth: Debbie accommodates and supports young people who would otherwise be homeless and in the last 30 years has helped and supported 56 young people in the Havant area.

Urbond, Portsmouth: Urbond is a specialist diversity and inclusion charity based in Portsmouth working tirelessly to create strong bonds within the city.

Mr Shane Blampied and Dr Dominic Pearson (FIRE-P), Eastleigh: Both Shane and Dominic have invested much personal time and effort into the FIRE-P programme, raising awareness of fire prevention and addressing attitudes towards fire setting.

Effie Blankson and Katherine Bejide (Stop and Search Awareness Team), Basingstoke: Effie and Katherine have established a team of trained advocates across seven educational establishments to provide direct and trusted support and advocacy for children with the local police.

Gosport Community Spirit: Community Spirit is an organisation that supports people with complex needs to volunteer in the local community.

Greater Rushmoor Nepali Community (GRNC): Working to strengthen ties between ex-Gurkhas and their families and the wider community.

Dr Manish Patel, Portsmouth: Dr Manish Patel set up the Dr Mike King Memorial Trust in memory of his friend and fellow consultant, to help support local young people in Portsmouth who are disadvantaged or underrepresented in the medical profession.

PC Clare Parry and PCSO Wendy Clark, Portsmouth: Helped to embed and promote the work of Hampshire Police within the University of Portsmouth and the student population to aid student safety.

DCI 2708 Colin White, Chandler’s Ford: DCI Colin White has just completed 30 years of unblemished service with Hampshire Constabulary.

Arun Mummalaneni, Basingstoke: Arun has served the Basingstoke community tirelessly for the last 15 years. He has been a volunteer, community leader and County and Borough Councillor, including as part of Interfaith Basingstoke, organising interfaith walks and events.

Ethan Fox, Gosport: Ethan helped a young woman who was the victim of a sexual assault in June 2022.

Lisa Young, Gosport: Lisa runs the 6th Gosport Cub Group and over the years has given an extraordinary amount of time, effort and compassion to the children she helps

Fleur Palmer, Portsmouth: Fleur is responsible for the continued success and efficiency of the Portsmouth Crown Court and leads the criminal team.

David King JP, Gosport.

Dr Lilian Hobbs JP, Chandler’s Ford: Dr Hobbs has been a committed Magistrate since 2005 and her recent contribution to the East Hampshire Bench and Magistracy has been exemplary.

Gary Price JP, Southsea: Gary Price has been an active Magistrate on the East Hampshire Bench since 2015 and has formed the East Hampshire Magistrates Community Group with the overarching objective to raise awareness of the magistracy.

Marian Pottinger JP, Portsmouth: Marian has been Chair of the East Hampshire Family Panel for the past three years which has been an exceptionally challenging period of tenure.

Kayleigh Arney and Danielle Hutley were additionally recognised through the courts with a High Sheriff’s Reward. Both were witnesses to an attempted murder in the New Forest. Alongside, two other members of the public, they prevented a women’s death by remaining at the scene and keeping her safe until the emergency services arrived, despite the fact the perpetrator was still present.