Kate Hill-Trevor Urges More to Volunteer to Aid Social Cohesion
The outgoing High Sheriff of Clwyd, Kate Hill-Trevor, formally ends her Shrieval year on Saturday 6th April 2024 following 12 months promoting hard-working charities, volunteers and emergency service organisations across Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham.
Mrs. Hill-Trevor used the occasion of her final major Shrieval event, a thanksgiving service at St Mary’s Church, Chirk, on Saturday 23rd March, to deliver a clarion call for active citizenship, urging more people across North Wales to consider volunteering in some capacity.
“Despite what some sections of the media would have us believe, the world is filled with kind and selfless people. I have had the privilege of meeting many such people across North Wales in the past year,” she told the congregation, which included senior members of the Judiciary, North Wales Police, the Fire and Prison Services and representatives of the many charities she has visited in her Shrieval year.
“Volunteers and voluntary services are quite simply essential in today’s world. They save millions of pounds and lives each year. Clwyd is lucky to have a vibrant voluntary sector. We have an incredible range of charities and volunteer organisations in the area, including magistrates, physical rescue services, mental health support, care of the sick and frail, transport of blood and breast milk, food distribution, support for the homeless and those struggling with illness, additional or financial needs, and of course much-needed help to preserve and restore our precious environment to name just a few.
“Throughout my Shrieval year, I’ve have been continually reminded of the profound impact individuals can have when they come together for a common cause. Whether it’s the tireless efforts of emergency service personnel, the dedication of volunteers, or the commitment of our Judiciary to uphold justice, I’ve seen first-hand the power of collective action. My hope, as I hand over to a new High Sheriff, is that I may have inspired more people to become active citizens in some small but meaningful way. There really is a volunteering opportunity out there for everyone, whatever your interest, skill set or concern and there are multiple benefits for volunteers as well as the organisation of their choosing,” she said.
Mrs Hill-Trevor became one of 55 High Sheriffs in England and Wales on 4th April last year when she was appointed by His Majesty King Charles III to represent the Sovereign in matters of law and order in the now ceremonial county of Clwyd.
Kate Hill-Trevor added:
“The role of High Sheriff is over 1,000 years-old. But it has evolved and adapted to keep its relevance in today’s society, supporting, promoting and encouraging the voluntary sector. Working so closely with the Judiciary, emergency services, my supportive young Volunteer Police Cadets and so many local charities, especially those tackling crime reduction and social cohesion, has been humbling, inspiring and incredibly rewarding. My Thanksgiving Service was a wonderful opportunity to thank those present as representatives of many more people like them across North Wales for all that they are doing by working or volunteering in the service of others.”
