On one of the hottest days of the year members of Sandown Green Town Volunteers welcomed a visit from James Attrill, the Isle of Wight’s High Sheriff.
In a 2-way fact-finding session, the volunteers learnt about the role of High Sheriffs, which dates back to Saxon times when they were responsible for the maintenance of law and order and the collection of taxes.
Supporting the Judiciary remains a key element of the role. Additionally, they play a vital part in supporting local voluntary organisations, often providing a link between them and possible funders. James Attrill is particularly concerned about youth mental health awareness.
SGTVs Chair, Christine Jackson, then explained the work of the volunteers, starting with what she called ‘the fun and lesser-known activities of the group’. Whilst they are recognised for their beach and litter-picking work, their horticultural achievements and improvements, they are less well-known for their community support and re-wilding actions.
The group are always looking for new ways to improve Sandown. They regularly take part in Sandown Carnival, this year coming first in the group section of the Virtual Carnival and enjoy taking part in the Baptist Church’s Christmas Tree Festival with a Christmas tree their crafters cover in decorations upcycled from household containers.
Sandown Green Town Volunteers also support the Hullabaloo festival and organise information displays at Sandown Library. Each autumn they send over 100 letters of congratulation to residents and businesses whose household frontages have been enlivened by planting, sometimes just hanging baskets in a particularly dull area.
Over the last 2 years, they have planted over 300 native hedgerow trees about the town, in-filling some tattered hedges, and organised the planting of 3,000 crocus corms, supplied by Sandown Rotary, around Sandown.
Ben Holbrook, Deputy Chair then took James Attrill on a tour of the planted areas around Sandown that the Group maintain, starting on the Cliff Path at Battery Gardens, proceeding along the seafront, up Esplanade Road and down the High Street to Sandown Seedbank. The work on the Cliff Path and planting in front of the Pier was especially admired.
Where was this person, when all the developments were being discussed, if he is so green he should be at the front of protesting, but oh no.
I think he is like the queen, and not allowed to take sides in politics.
Correct me if I am wrong ?