September 2024

Two royal representatives have visited Recycling Lives Charity this week.

The High Sheriff and Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire each took time to chat with our volunteers and participants and learn about our work in separate visits.

On Tuesday 17th we welcomed the High Sheriff of Lancashire, Helen Bingley OBE JP DL (pictured above).

Ms Bingley first visited our two recycling workshops in HMP Kirkham men’s prison, before coming to our head offices in Preston to tour our residential facility and community cafe. She met with a range of staff, volunteers and programme participants and also went over to our Food Redistribution Centre, learning about our work preventing food waste and providing goods to feed communities in need.

She described the visit as “heartwarming” and praised our “inspired and motivated” team.

The following day, the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Amanda Parker JP, visited us.

Mrs Parker also toured our residential facility and community cafe, chatting to staff, residents and volunteers, before meeting the team supporting offender rehabilitation in our community recycling workshop.

Alasdair Jackson OBE, chief executive, said of the visits: “We’re always pleased to show people what we do but it feels even more special to have visitors like the High Sheriff and Lord Lieutenant – people with such status in the community taking the time to listen to the experiences and expertise of our staff, volunteers and participants alike makes people feel really valued.

“It was just a happy coincidence both ladies asked to visit us in the same week and we’re grateful to both for taking such an interest in our work.”

Both the High Sheriff and Lord Lieutenant roles are voluntary positions, to act as the King’s representative for a county.