A Hostel for young single homeless was set up in the 1970's by magistrates and probation officers to accommodate young offenders who otherwise would not be granted bail because of their homelessness. An appeal at my first Bench Meeting from a magistrate who was Chairman of the Hostel Management Committee resulted in a 7-year involvement as secretary to the committee. An extreme challenge and learning curve which would merit a book in its own right! After the Hostel was taken over by a Housing Association, I was approached by a magistrate who was co-ordinator of Watford and Three Rivers Victim Support. An eleven year stint as secretary to their Management Committee was very worthwhile and introduced me to some amazing volunteers in a fascinating voluntary organisation - its structure now changed to a countywide management, therefore phasing out the management committee.     As a company member of the Board of Trustees I am still involved, but this will cease when the management goes national. I was able to help with the formation of the Court Witness Service, which has developed very satisfactorily. A most satisfying part of my life where I made a good many friends. So what next? Another magistrate who was setting up an appeal for a Hospice in Watford asked me to join her and eventually a band of dedicated volunteers to get it all off the ground. The rest is history - we have a splendid flourishing Peace Memorial Hospice in Watford, and the involvement in fund raising and helping out is still ongoing. Magistrates are always in demand to represent the Bench in different areas - so being appointed is not the end - it is the beginning of as much interest and commitment as you would like.
						(c Photographs HMCS)
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