Concluding a year of working closely with community groups across the county, The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Lord Charles Cecil, is hosting a fundraising concert at Watford Colosseum, featuring The Band of the Grenadier Guards (above), to thank the many volunteers who have given their time and support to help others.

“When you start in this post you think you know the county reasonably well,“ says Lord Charles. “Then you come across all these extraordinary people in the voluntary and public sector working as judges and magistrates, or in the prison and probation service working towards prevention of offending and reoffending. There are also a host of charitable organisations dealing with the treatment of addiction, helping people with reading and writing skills, managing money, getting accommodation and obtaining qualifications for employment.

“The idea for the concert is that it’s not just for people who would buy tickets in the normal course of events but to give something back to the people who deserve a thank you such as Open Door in St Albans, the New Hope Trust in Watford and the Emmaus homeless charity. Thankfully the cheques and donations have come in to allow volunteers from the hospices and youth organisations to come along.“ Charles and his wife, Virginia, live in Hatfield Park. His family have lived in Hertfordshire for more than 400 years.

Charles is patron of Pro Action, one of the largest youth organisations in the county. He is also Patron of the St Albans Diocesan Penal Affairs Group.

The evening will benefit the High Sheriff’s Fund for outstanding Hertfordshire organisations helping young people and preventing crime. The evening is also to thank the many unsung heroes in Hertfordshire and the charities of the Grenadier Guards.

The night will feature a rousing and uplifting programme. Dressed in full uniform, the guards will play fanfares, military music, rousing piano and trumpet solos, popular themes from film and concert hall favourites.

Lord Charles’ one-year tenure may be up soon but that’s not going to stop him from enjoying the delights of the locale.

“Hertfordshire is one of the most interesting counties in the country. It’s on the northern edge of the capital and has some of the most beautiful open country and parks. It’s a real mix. What I find particularly interesting is its tremendous cultural variety from Bhaktivadenta Manor to North Watford Mosque and in the centre of Watford there’s the ancient church of St Mary’s and the early 18th Century free school.“ Bedmond garden designer Arabella Stuart-Smith will take up the post of The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire in late March.

The concert takes place at Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford on Saturday, February 25 at 7.30pm. Details: 0845 075 3993, www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk