High Sheriff awards held in Stoke-on-Trent to honour city’s Centenary

Published: Tuesday, 1st April 2025

The High Sheriff’s awards – recognising acts of bravery, courage and selflessness – were held in Stoke-on-Trent this year to help put the spotlight on the city during its Centenary year.

Thirty-seven extraordinary individuals and organisations from across Staffordshire received an award last week (Thursday, March 27) from the High Sheriff of Staffordshire, Julia Mitchell.  

Award recipients included the Fenton Doers – co-ordinated by the city’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Lyn Sharpe. The Doers plan events, organise transport for people who are unable to get to the hospital, decorate the town’s Albert Square and more.  

Other organisations based in Stoke-on-Trent, included: 

  • Emmaus North Staffs – one of the Lord Mayor’s two chosen charities for 2024/25 which helps families furnish their homes for low cost.

  • Disability Solutions – who support people with disabilities to succeed at work. 

  • Mitchell Arts Centre, Hanley – a community arts centre offering a varied programme of events. 

  • Saltbox – a Christian charity working to transform and strengthen our communities. 

Award winners and their guests also met Sir Ian Dudson, the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire.  

Mrs Mitchell said: “It’s been a memorable year. I’ve been profoundly impressed by the extraordinary people I’ve been privileged to meet across Staffordshire.    

“So many individuals, volunteers and organisations have gone way above and beyond in the course of their duties. I wish to recognise what they do, and applaud those achievements with honour.   

“Staffordshire is a county where so many people show compassion, kindness, and goodwill from the heart. They are the genuine unsung heroes who go about their volunteering and occupations throughout the year for the good of our communities. 

This event was a chance to show them how we appreciate what they do for us. 

“And to host the Awards Ceremony in Stoke-on-Trent’s magnificent Jubilee Hall has added even greater sparkle, as we celebrate our City’s glorious Centenary.” 

The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Lyn Sharpe said: “We were absolutely delighted that the High Sheriff chose to hold these awards in Stoke-on-Trent during our milestone 100th anniversary year. As Lord Mayor of this incredible city, I couldn’t be prouder. Having lived here all my life, I truly love Stoke-on-Trent, and it’s fantastic to see us showcasing what makes our community so special. 

“These awards celebrate the individuals and organisations that make our city and the county of Staffordshire such a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.” 

“Of course, it’s an honour for the Fenton Doers to be recognised for our work. If it needs doing in Fenton, we get it done. It’s also fantastic to see Emmaus North Staffs - one of my chosen charities - and all the other outstanding people and organisations recognised for the brilliant work they do across the city and county. These awards truly shine a light on the very best of Staffordshire.”