High Sheriff surprises community stalwart Belinda with honour for service to Northamptonshire town

Belinda Humfrey has championed causes in the town for decades, and her long-service has been recognised by the High Sheriff of Northamptonshire, Jeremy Sharman.

Surprising Belinda as she was chairing a committee meeting of the Desborough Civic Society, Mr Sharman presented her a certificate of thanks.

Mr Sharman said: “In my final week as High Sheriff, I was so pleased to be able to present a High Sheriff’s Award to the incredible Belinda Humfrey.

“For decades, Belinda has worked tirelessly for the good of Desborough, leaving a lasting impact on the community through her dedication, leadership, and passion.

“Her many achievements include
raising funds to build a new skatepark, chairing the civic society, chairing the heritage centre committee, being a trustee for the Desborough Community Development Trust – including running a charity shop – raising funds to create a new Millennium Green
and being a founding member of Revive Coffee Shop.”

“Desborough is a better place because of Belinda’s commitment and energy. This award is a small token of thanks for a lifetime of service.”

The award’s text ran: “In recognition of the significant contribution you have made and valuable service you have given to the Desborough community.

“The award also recognises the appreciation of the residents and people of the said High Sheriff’s county for activity and contribution in enhancing the life of the community.”

Committee members of Revive, Desborough and Desborough Civic Society were in on the surprise which included a cake, made by two of Revive’s managers.

Belinda said: “Desborough is special in that it is very much run by its community. Community ventures like ours have to be initiated, but they cannot continue and prosper, as ours do, without numerous wonderful unpaid volunteers putting in time and energy and creativity for them week after week, month after month, year after year.

“Desborough can be proud of this award. Desborough on its high, south-facing ridge, has been the place of many successful communities over the past 2,000 years – as our amazing Desborough Heritage Centre shows.

“Desborough has grown in size over the past 30 years, especially in the past few years, and we can only hope that the newcomers housed in so many fields around the town’s small and vibrant centre will realise what treasures they have in their town.

“We hope that they will bring strength to our Desborough Heritage Centre and our other volunteer-run community attractions.”

Desborough Heritage Centre in Station Road houses a collection of exhibitions, telling the story of the town from Roman times through to its peak as a shoe-making centre.