By Mark Shelford: Celebrating Community Leadership: Julie Ingerfield Honoured with High Sheriff Award Live on Radio Bath.
There’s something magical about live radio—its immediacy, its unpredictability, and its ability to connect with a community in real time. But for listeners of Radio Bath last week, what began as an insightful conversation about community initiatives turned into a heartfelt celebration of one of the city’s most dedicated leaders, Julie Ingerfield.
In a brilliantly orchestrated surprise, Julie was awarded the High Sheriff of Somerset Award for her remarkable leadership of the Bloomfield Community Speed Watch (CSW) group. The surprise, planned with precision by Radio Bath Directors and Co founders Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst MBE, Steve Fountain, and Simon McNeill-Ritchie, along with the High Sheriff Rob Beckley and Mark Shelford, unfolded live on air during what was supposed to be a routine discussion about community safety.
The result? A moment of pure joy, punctuated by Julie’s wry, post-interview quip: “What a rotter!”
The Heart of Community Policing
Community Speed Watch (CSW) embodies the spirit of the Peelian principle of citizens policing: the idea that effective law enforcement depends on public cooperation and community engagement. This national initiative, which began in Somerset two decades ago, empowers residents to take an active role in road safety by monitoring and recording speeding vehicles with police-approved devices.
Drivers caught exceeding the speed limit receive a letter explaining the risks of their behaviour. Persistent offenders face direct police visits, and serious cases can lead to prosecution based on Police enforcement. It’s a system that balances education, deterrence, and enforcement—and Julie Ingerfield has become its beating heart in Bloomfield Road.
Leadership in Action
Julie’s leadership story is nothing short of inspiring. Concerned by the growing danger posed by speeding on Bloomfield Road, she formed a Residents’ Group in 2019. Guided by her consultative approach, Julie rallied local residents, engaged the Police and Council, and developed a comprehensive plan to address the issue.
Her work with the Bloomfield CSW group is unparalleled. With an average of 16 sessions per month, Julie’s team conducts nearly a third of all CSW sessions in Bath and North East Somerset—an astounding statistic. Only one other group in the entire Avon & Somerset Constabulary area surpasses Bloomfield’s activity levels, a testament to Julie’s dedication.
But Julie’s efforts didn’t stop at monitoring. Recognising the need for long-term solutions, she lobbied tirelessly for engineering improvements to Bloomfield Road. Through persistent engagement with Councillors, Council Officers, Police and community meetings, she secured over £125,000 for critical road safety measures, including three zebra crossings scheduled for installation in 2025.
A Well-Deserved Honour
Julie’s tireless commitment to road safety and community well-being made her the perfect recipient of the High Sheriff of Somerset Award. The live surprise on Radio Bath was a fitting tribute to a leader whose efforts have saved lives and fostered a stronger, safer community.
As High Sheriff Rob Beckley presented the award, it was clear that this wasn’t just a recognition of past achievements—it was a celebration of Julie’s ongoing mission to make Bloomfield Road a safer place for everyone.
For listeners, it was a moment to reflect on the extraordinary impact one person can have when they bring passion, perseverance, and a sense of community to the table. For Julie, it was a day to remember—and perhaps a reminder that, sometimes, the best surprises are the ones that come with a touch of friendly mischief.
Congratulations, Julie Ingerfield, on this well-deserved honour! Your community salutes you.
(Photo courtesy of Roy Newport Photography)
For more on Mark Shelford visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Shelford#:~:text=2021%20until%202024.-,Mark%20Shelford,May%202021%20%E2%80%93%208%20May%202024
For more on Bloomfield bath Resident’s Association visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/5277026145642607/