Wareham Resident Harold Forbes is recognised for his valuable service to the community
By Chris Hockley
A tireless leading light of three charities in Wareham has been honoured by the High Sheriff of Dorset.
Retired marketing executive Harold Forbes is co-founder, chairman and treasurer of Wareham Area Men’s Shed; the organiser of the town’s litter pickers, known as the Wareham Wombles, and a trustee and treasurer of the Wareham District Development Trust.
A well deserved award for Harold!
He was presented with a High Sheriff’s Award “in recognition of great and valuable services to the community” by Dorset’s ceremonial dignitary Callum Bremner at a ceremony in the Shed’s workshop at Lenctenbury Farm, outside Wareham.
Mr Bremner paid tribute to Harold’s “commitment, generosity of spirit and unwavering enthusiasm, which exemplifies voluntary endeavour and civic spirit”.
The Sheriff also praised his “inspiring personal resilience” given he has continued his voluntary work while also supporting his wife Karin through long and arduous treatment for a serious illness.
Harold said he was “extremely honoured” to receive the award
Asked what drives him to be so involved in the community, he replied: “I guess when you retire you lose a sense of purpose – you don’t have the same structure or pressure on you. I find life is better with structure and a bit of purpose. And what’s nice is that, as opposed to working, the things I do are hobbies which no one is forcing me to do.
“They keep me active, keep my brain sharp and challenge my creativity.”
Members of the Men’s Shed said Harold was known for his keen wit and ready smile.
Retired doctor Philip Dawson, who nominated Harold for the award, added: “We all need leaders at every stage of life, even in retirement. And Harold, with his remarkable ability to combine fine organisation with good humour, is a tremendous example.”
Philip Daubeny, chair of the Wareham District Development Trust – which tends parts of the town including Priory Meadow – said: “Harold has been very busy on behalf of Wareham and Purbeck for many years. He is a tremendous asset and thoroughly deserves this award.”
Find out more about the Wareham Area Men’s Shed on their Facebook page.
If you would like to find out more about local community groups then check out our Local Community Group Directory.
