Volunteers’ 30-year service at Southwater community police office recognised with awards

In September 1996 a former police house in Southwater was due to close, but Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Karen Haynes formed a plan to establish an office of volunteers to maintain a police presence and point of contact in Southwater.

She founded the office and was supported by Sussex Police to finance the rent costs, and after advertising in a local magazine for volunteers, she received 14 expressions of interest and was able to set up the scheme.

Among those who first volunteered was David Scott, who had previously completed 30 years’ service with Surrey Police. He joined as a volunteer deputy manager and continues to volunteer to this day as volunteer office manager.

The office has gone from strength to strength, earning the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2006, and the Lord Ferrers Award for Police Support Team of the Year by the Home Office in 2023.

The efforts of all volunteers was recognised at a special awards ceremony on Friday, September 18, attended by the High Sheriff of West Sussex Gary Shipton, Assistant Chief Constable Rosie Ross, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, and Chief Inspector Daniel Eagle as Master of Ceremonies.

Chief Constable awards were presented to David Scott, who has volunteered for 30 years, Anthony Biggs, who has volunteered for 28 years, Esther Clark, who has volunteered for 27 years, Nancy Brock, who has volunteered for 27 years, and to Karen Haynes who was the founder in 1996 and has had significant involvement in supporting the office in the years since.

Further Certificates of Recognition were presented to Andrew Biggin, Jacqueline Chitty, Nia Cumber, Brian Daniels, John Embleton, Iain Gardner, Christine Hurley, Amos Mothe, Caroline Paul, Andrea Pavel, Gretchen Trout, and Gina Wilkins. Meanwhile volunteers Margaret Burtenshaw and Nick Barker were not able to attend the event.

Assistant Chief Constable Ross said: “We recognise the outstanding work of all volunteers who have given up their time, experience and expertise to help the public in Southwater.

“We should all take pride in what has been achieved over the past 30 years. This office stands testament to the power of volunteering, partnership, and community spirit.

“They have provided a place for the public to report concerns, report crime, seek advice and seek support from the police or partner agencies, and helped maintain a valuable connection between officers and the community.”

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Celebrating 30 years of the Southwater Community Police Office is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the extraordinary contribution made by generations of volunteers who have dedicated their time, energy and compassion to serving their community.

“What began with a simple vision in 1996 has grown into a valued local resource, providing support, reassurance and a welcoming presence for residents. The office's success is testament to the commitment of its volunteers, whose efforts have been rightly recognised through prestigious awards including ‘The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service’ and the ‘Lord Ferrers Award’.

“Thank you to every volunteer, past and present, who has helped make the Southwater office such an enduring success. It’s particularly inspiring to see individuals like David Scott, who has given 30 years of service since the office first opened – this kind of dedication demonstrates the very best of community spirit.

“Volunteers are at the heart of strong communities and there is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer. The wonderful Southwater team show what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, I hope others will be inspired to get involved and help ensure this valued community asset continues to thrive for everyone for many years to come.”

Chief Inspector Eagle said: “Thirty years is a truly significant milestone, and collectively the current volunteer team represents more than 190 years of volunteering service, those years have been dedicated to helping others, supporting policing, and strengthening community relationships. That is an extraordinary achievement.

“In all those years, there have certainly been some memorable moments. On one occasion a member of the public walked into the office carrying what turned out to be a live First World War hand grenade in a shopping bag. But thanks to the knowledge of the volunteer on duty that day, they knew exactly what to do, following procedures to ensure the area was safely evacuated and expert bomb disposal experts were called in. It was certainly not your average day in the office.

“Every volunteer, past and present, has played a part in the success we have recognised and celebrated.

"They have ensured that every week the office remains open as a welcoming and accessible place for the public. They have provided a valuable point of contact and complete a wide variety of responsibilities.”