Nick Alston: New Year Message

This year’s New Year Message was delivered by Nick Alston, High Sheriff of Essex. He previously served as Essex’s first Police and Crime Commissioner.

He spoke movingly about the risks faced by young people now growing up, particularly risks posed by social media. This is an international problem. Much of the potentially damaging material emanates from overseas. Nick has been involved with victim support and on one occasion supported a girl who had been raped by her 12-year-old neighbour. He commented that the perpetrator was not necessarily an evil person; he had been influenced by inappropriate material he had seen online. He urged us all to be vigilant.

The President of the Rotary Club of Lucknow also visited us today, along with her daughter, who lives in Chelmsford. She and President Mo exchanged Club banners.

President Mo was able to announce the grant of Paul Harris Fellowships to two of our members, Maureen Benson and John Knott. Maureen played a leading part in running English lessons for Ukrainian guests in Chelmsford and John has for many years acted as our Santa for various Christmas projects. Nick Alston kindly presented the awards.