High Sheriff visit

Published 08:55 on 28 Aug 2026

It was our great pleasure to host Oliver Paul the High Sheriff of Suffolk at our Alton Water site. The High Sheriff of Suffolk is the Kings independent representative in the county for matters relating to law, order, and the judiciary. The position is a non-political one and is the oldest secular office under the Crown. It's origins date back over 1,000 years to Saxon times. It is now an unpaid, one-year voluntary role focused heavily on community engagement, supporting the justice system, and championing local charities.The current High Sheriff, Oliver, was able to meet sailors volunteers and trustees and even try out one of Hansa keel boats. Following his visit he wrote an article on Linked In, which is reproduced below with his permission. However, it can also be read directly on LinkedIn.

Water sustains life not only because we drink it, but because it keeps us clean, brings enjoyment and entertainment, and offers something spiritually and sensorially captivating.

After a period of extreme drought, it felt especially poignant to visit the Woolverstone Project at its Alton Water centre, Anglian Water Services, where the life enhancing power of water is obvious. The Project exists to enable people with disabilities to enjoy sailing, learn new skills and enrich their lives through accessible sailing opportunities.

It was a pleasure to see the delight on the faces of those coming to sail. People of all ages, with a wide range of disabilities, were warmly welcomed into an environment that was fun, exhilarating, inclusive, full of sensory value and with the most amazingly designed boats if youre into nautical engineering! The confidence, freedom and simple happiness that sailing brings was evident in guests and volunteers alike.

Huge credit to Dave Cooke, Chair of Trustees, his fellow trustees, and the many volunteers whose commitment makes this possible. The Woolverstone Project is a wonderful example of what individuals achieve when we come together with purpose and compassion.

As a reminder, volunteering gives far more than it takes. Beyond helping others, it provides perspective, connection, purpose and a sense of fulfilment that is difficult to find elsewhere. Some of the most rewarding moments come simply from seeing the impact of your time on someone else's day.

Last updated 08:55 on 28 August 2026