SUMMER 2016

Three cheers for the Shrievalty also inside National Crimebeat Awards 2016 Volume 35 Issue 1 Summer 2016

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Th]High of Huntingshir] Th] of Huntingshir] request} th] pleasur] of you{ company and on Sunday, 18ÌJun] 2002 at 11 o’clock The High Sheriffs’ at York Minste{, to attend Morning Servic] to celebrat] ÕJack Aubrey Th]Queen’}Official Birthday at Hom] Association of at whichHe{ Majesty’} udge} will b] present J ...... and Wales Ï Ï Ash Grov] Morning Dres} Uniform Ash Grov] Shipley o{ Loung] Suit Shipley President J R Avery Esq DL Huntingshir]   Medal} Huntingshir]   Officers and Council November 2015 to November 2016 18 22 invitations . letterheads . correspondence cards OFFICERS Chairman visiting cards . placement cards . menus . service sheets J J Burton Esq DL Email [email protected] Honorary Secretary 30 40 J H A Williams Esq Contact us to find out about our impressive range of Gatefield, Green Tye, Much Hadham Hertfordshire SG10 6JJ social stationery for your year as High Sheriff. Tel 01279 842225 Fax 07092 846777 Email [email protected] Honorary Treasurer  ST JOHN’S HILL, LONDONSW TH N R Savory Esq DL Thorpland Hall, Fakenham TEL: ⁽⁾   [email protected] www.geebrothers.co.uk Norfolk NR21 0HD Tel 01328 862392 Email [email protected] COUNCIL Col M G C Amlôt OBE DL Canon S E A Bowie DL Mrs E J Hunter S P Leatham Esq DL A V R Morgan Esq Mrs A Y Morgan JP DL W T C Shelford Esq DL The Hon HJH Tollemache W A A Wells Esq TD (Hon Editor of The High Sheriff ) Mrs J D J Westoll MBE DL Mrs B Wilding CBE QPM DL

The High Sheriff is published twice a year by Hall-McCartney Ltd for the High Sheriffs’ Association of England and Wales Hon Editor Andrew Wells Email [email protected] Contents ISSN 1477-8548 © 2016 The High Sheriffs’ Association of England and Wales From the Editor Getting Court High Sheriffs The Association is not as a body 4 14 54 responsible for the opinions expressed of England and Wales in The High Sheriff unless it is stated that an article or a letter officially 2016-2017 represents the Council’s views. 5 Diary of 16 The Koestler The Editor welcomes articles and Forthcoming Events New members news stories from High Sheriffs Trust Journey concerning their year in office. Nominations

The next edition of The High Sheriff Regional Roundups will be published in December 2016. 6 The Butler Trust Closing date for receipt of editorial 18 56 Association items will be Friday 23 September 2016. Award Ceremony regalia and publications Items for inclusion should be sent to: 10 National The High Sheriff Heritage House, PO Box 21, Crimebeat Awards 2016 Baldock, Herts SG7 5SH Email [email protected] 20 News from and 58 Questions Advertisement enquiries A Capable Sheriff about members and Answers Non-member enquiries 13 Address as above Tel 01462 896688 Fax 01462 896677 Email [email protected] Printed by Blackmore Ltd. Design atg Media www.atg-media.com www.highsheriffs.com

Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 3 Welcome Events Listings

Diary 2016 From the of Forthcoming Events

JULY 2016 NOVEMBER 2016 names of the 2019 nominees so it Editor Seminar for High Sheriffs 45th Annual General will be up to such nominees or their in nomination for the Meeting and Luncheon proposers to contact the Secretary This is The High Sheriff of end-of-term reports and we have had a bumper crop years 2017 and 2018 Wednesday 2 should they wish to attend. which I hope will amuse, inspire and encourage reflection. I am grateful to all who Friday 1 July 2016 November 2016 The annual Lord Mayor’s Show have written, both High Sheriffs who have recently stepped down and to others The 2016 Seminar for High Sheriffs The Association’s 45th AGM and will start in the morning on that in nomination will be held at Burghley luncheon will be held at Drapers’ day and the Association has made who have provided articles of special interest. House, Stamford, Lincolnshire, Hall, Throgmorton Street, London arrangements for light refreshments The range of activities undertaken is so diverse that it would be difficult and possibly undesirable to give on Friday 1 July 2016. Details EC2 2DQ. The agenda and papers nearby after the Nomination Event individual issues of The High Sheriff a theme, but ‘prison’ seems to crop up again and again in this issue. of the programme and speakers for the AGM and an application and then for viewing the Show We have informative and inspiring articles on the work of the Butler Trust and the Koestler Trust, and together with an application form for the luncheon will be sent in a reserved pavement space encouraging accounts of the reception of High Sheriff’s own awards to both prison officers and prisoners. form will have been sent in mid- to all members of the Association near the Law Courts entrance. I was fortunate to meet a long-term prisoner this year who said: ‘All I ever wanted to do was hide. I never May 2016 to all High Sheriffs in in mid-September 2016. thought anyone would recognise me, but all the training and educational opportunities are there if you nomination for 2017 and 2018. only grasp them.’ He gained a maths degree and was awarded for helping his peers to grasp the same opportunities. With ever-rising prison populations and changing patterns of crime, successive governments are running to stand still. High Sheriffs’ involvement is invariably welcomed by governors trying to show that success can be achieved in their ‘Cinderella’ sector. The Nomination of High Sheriffs’ support for groups attempting to nip crime in the bud is shown in the imaginative range OCTOBER 2016 future High Sheriffs of young people’s initiatives receiving National Crimebeat awards. Fourteen High Sheriffs submitted 39 The Red Mass Saturday 12 November projects this year – let’s aim for 39 High Sheriffs in 2016-17! As ever the Association is most grateful for Monday 3 October 2016 2016 at 10.00 am the generous support of Richard and Alex Walduck in allowing the use of their Royal National Hotel The annual Roman Catholic Mass will The Ceremony of the Nomination for this event. The benefits of collective youth activities are emphasised again and again in these pages. be held at 9.30 am at Westminster of High Sheriffs will take place on The ‘Getting Court’ scheme fostered by High Sheriffs in three counties has clearly made a big impact on Cathedral to celebrate the start Saturday 12 November 2016 in participants, not just to avoid getting caught but to steer them towards jobs in the wide law and order of the legal year. There will be a Court 4 (the Lord Chief Justice’s sector. An interesting youth group new to me is the Young Firefighters Association which operates in ticket-only reception in the Throne Court) at the Royal Courts of Justice, several counties and provides fun, responsibility and interest for teenagers. Room after the Mass. To obtain Strand, London WC2A 2LL. At Unwittingly contributors have been involved in crises and disasters about which they have written tickets, contact Stephen Hart by this ceremony the names of those movingly – but there is always a brighter side even in the most dire situations when High Sheriffs have email at: [email protected]. nominated for the Office of High witnessed groups of people thrown together in mutual support to solve their problems. High Sheriffs have Sheriff for the years 2017, 2018 and their lighter moments too, even bursting into verse from time to time, making the only cardboard shelter 2019 will be read out in court. which doesn’t collapse and discovering what not to put into coffins. The Secretary will be writing in Do publicise the Association’s website to general enquirers. The public area is full of information which The Ladies’ Lunch September to all High Sheriffs in answers many of the questions High Sheriffs receive about the job. Council intends the members’ area Tuesday 4 October 2016 nomination for 2017 and for 2018 to be a first port of call, especially for those serving and in nomination, and Hugh Tollemache and Alan The annual Ladies’ Lunch will be held inviting them to attend. This function Parker are constantly adding to this. Please don’t hesitate to approach the Association’s Secretary or in London at the Royal Thames Yacht provides a good opportunity for The High Sheriff if you have any unanswered questions, and for a forgotten password email Club in Knightsbridge. Full details will those in nomination to meet each [email protected] giving your year and county. be sent shortly to those ladies who are other. It may be possible for a On behalf of Council I welcome new members of the Association listed on page 54 and wish all this in nomination. The organiser is Council few 2019 nominees to attend as year’s High Sheriffs well as they get into their stride. Member Sally Bowie, whose email well but space in court is limited. address is: [email protected]. The Association will not know the

Andrew Wells, Hon Editor, 2005-06

4 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 5 regional roundup regional roundup Eastern Region meeting – 2 March 2016 Eastern Region meeting – 2 March 2016

Deborah Inskip DL greatly from having well-informed High Sheriffs High Sheriff of 2013-14 helping to spread and support their messages. The morning session concluded with a question-and-answer session which generated lots edfordshire was once again of interest and a very healthy discussion before the proud host of this year’s Eastern lunch. Indeed, it proved quite difficult to get Regional meeting for High Sheriffs everyone’s attention for a group photograph to be Sharing varied in nomination. Colin Osborne taken to record the historic gathering! B(Bedfordshire 2014-15) and I organised the day at Around 40 of us sat down to a delicious the very beautiful Luton Hoo Hotel. The original lunch with faultless service from the team at Luton house was built in 1767 by Robert Adam for the Hoo. Everyone enjoyed having a glimpse of this 3rd Earl of Bute. Virtually destroyed by a fire in beautiful country house and the lovely large rooms experiences 1843, the mansion was rebuilt for the Leigh family with their far-reaching vistas were a great venue for by the Smirke brothers and remodelled in the early the meeting. 20th century for Sir Julius Wernher (son Harold The afternoon session kicked off with Jonathan was High Sheriff in 1927); Capability Brown Siegler, the new Head of Development for the designed over 1,000 acres of glorious parkland. The Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation. day dawned bright and clear and we were delighted It was helpful to all those new to Community to welcome the High Sheriffs in nomination for Foundations to know that the foundations across the the next three years, and their consorts, from the Eastern Region work closely together and Jonathan six counties in the Eastern Region. We were also was able to be relevant to all six counties. In many joined by a number of Under Sheriffs. counties, the Community Foundations support the High Sheriff with their Awards Ceremony and help identify worthy recipients of a High Sheriff’s Award. We then enjoyed hearing from Anne Morgan, who is on the Council of the High Sheriffs’ The can benefit Association and is the new co-ordinator of the greatly from having well- regional meetings. She gave very useful information about the High Sheriffs’ Association, the Burghley informed High Sheriffs helping to seminar for those in nomination and National Crimebeat, the youth crime prevention charity of spread and support their messages the High Sheriffs’ Association. There is an annual National Crimebeat Awards Ceremony in London. Anne stressed that it is a relatively simple and a very enjoyable activity for a High Sheriff to nominate All six serving High Sheriffs talked of their a project for an award and this can have a great experiences with topics including: ‘Preparation impact on young people and their families. It is also with hindsight’, ‘Managing your time in office’ an interesting topic for High Sheriffs to raise when and ‘Whether or not to have a theme’. Much note- visiting schools, universities and cadet organisations. taking suggested that the audience was gaining a It is important to appreciate that National great insight into the challenges and opportunities Crimebeat awards are complementary to any award ahead. The detailed questions that followed gave system that individual High Sheriffs have in place, the speakers an added opportunity to share their rather than replacing these. Anne also encouraged varied experiences of shrieval life. those in nomination to look upon the High Sheriffs’ We were also fortunate to have with us the Association as a useful advisory resource to help with Chief Constable of Bedfordshire, Jon Boucher. He queries they may have during their time in office. gave a valuable and very interesting insight into It was a real pleasure to host the day and meet the co-ordination of the entire Eastern Region’s all those in nomination. From their very kind response to counter-terrorism and serious and emails and lovely comments, it is great to know organised crime. It was very helpful for all present that they derived so much from the meeting. I to hear how our police forces are coping with the think the Eastern Region is going to be in very ever-present threats of terror. The Chief Constable’s safe shrieval hands over the coming years. I am background information should help High Sheriffs delighted that Hertfordshire has offered to organise dispel people’s worries and concerns when talking next year’s regional meeting and we can all look with members of the public. The police can benefit forward to meeting there next year.

6 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 7 regional roundup regional roundup Wales Annual Regional Conference for High Sheriffs in nomination North High Sheriffs’ triennial luncheon – 8 March 2016 Upholding values Triennial

J Anthony he 6th Annual Wales Conference on the Shrievalty and Lieutenancy, bringing Tal-Williams took place at Llangoed, Powys on 26 together an insight into how both Offices work MBE DL JP November 2015, bringing together side by side and emphasising the importance luncheon Regional Co-ordinator our largest number of attendees to of High Sheriffs knowing and working with Wales, High Sheriffs’ Tdate with all serving High Sheriffs attending along their Lord-Lieutenants. She addressed us on merry and delicious luncheon was enjoyed by all in March Association with those in nomination for 2016/17 and most the details of the royal appointment of a Lord- in the delightful setting of the library at Rudding Park Hotel, High Sheriff of Mid in nomination for 2017/18, supported by family Lieutenant. The consultation process involves the near Harrogate. Glamorgan 2009-10 members, Under Sheriffs and guest speakers. National Assembly for Wales, which, through the As well as sixteen past High Sheriffs of North Yorkshire and their It was a particular pleasure to welcome the First Minister, advises HM The Queen on the consorts,A also present were the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mr Barry Dodd Chairman of our Association, Jeremy Burton, appointment. There is no meeting held by Her CBE, and the previous Lord-Lieutenant, Lord Crathorne KCVO, flanking to his as our main speaker, delivering an informed Majesty in Council as in the case of the High left and right respectively the High Sheriff for 2015-16, Charlie Forbes Adam DL. and well-structured talk on the function of the Sheriffs’ Pricking Ceremony. Perhaps worthy of note is the Forbes Adam father and son combination, with Nigel High Sheriffs’ Association and how it serves and We heard an interesting and very informative Forbes Adam DL, High Sheriff in 1976-77, standing behind the Lord-Lieutenant. supports its members, reminding us that High address by Mrs Jayne James, who recounted her Some traditions die hard in Yorkshire! Sheriffs hold the oldest secular office in the involvement and shared experiences, giving a land. He considered it the responsibility of the detailed account of her role in the first six months Association to uphold the values of the Office and as High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan. support and prepare those in nomination for a My sincere thanks go to all who attended; fulfilling and successful year. to our guest speakers, Under Sheriffs and to the It was also illuminating to hear the address by management and staff at Llangoed Hall. The Below: Welsh shrieval Dr Elizabeth Andrews, present High Sheriff and next Wales Regional Meeting will be held on 24 gathering at Llangoed Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Gwynedd. She spoke November 2016.

It was a particular pleasure to welcome the Chairman of our Association, Jeremy Burton, as our main speaker, delivering an informed and well- structured talk on the function of the High Sheriffs’ Association

8 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 9 national crimebeat national crimebeat Young people creating safer communities www.national-crimebeat.org.uk www.national-crimebeat.org.uk Young people creating safer communities National Crimebeat Awards 2016 they have shared the project with over 100 of being a victim and also produced a the sea) and school nurses who gave healthy Above left: The team from with the High Sheriff of Merseyside, Robert Owen JP other very diverse young people including card aimed at young people: ‘10 Tips on living advice. Businesses donated prizes DL and Jeremy Burton DL, Chairman of the those in detention. The area around the How to Stay Safe and not be a Victim and the team made posters advertising High Sheriffs’ Association (centre right and left)

youth club is clean, safe and well lit. The of Crime’. In addition they challenged the day which was a huge success. The Above: The High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, Charlie alleyway behind the football cages has the perception of the word ‘victim’. They team form part of a new Youth Council Forbes Adam DL (left), with the Eastfield team been cleared and anti-social behaviour has initially gave out 400 cards and, following and have recruited another six members Below: The team from Bedfordshire with the been minimised. Young people who would positive responses from young people who who organised fundraising events before High Sheriff, the Countess of Erroll (centre right) otherwise engage in abuses now attend said that having information from peers Christmas. One hundred people attended and support team the youth club. They hope to get more was more meaningful, they conducted an with 92 children visiting Father Christmas. funding to set up a peer-to-peer mentoring evaluation. The cards were found to have They spent the £140 raised on gifts for scheme to sustain the improved behaviour. had a significant impact and the CEO of the sick children in hospital. This was all done developed, managed and delivered by The project has won numerous awards youth club agreed that they would be given on the initiative of the Youth Council the groups), the High Sheriff of Greater and the young people have performed out in induction packs for new members. with the family support worker describing London, Lady Hameed, presented the at the V&A and the Turner Gallery. At Since April 2015, the ‘10 Top Tips’ cards the team as ‘role models portraying the cheques. There were joint first-prize winners the Award Ceremony, after introducing have been given to over 400 young people community in a positive light, changing from Bedfordshire and Warwickshire. The themselves and describing the problems registering as new members. Two hundred stereotypical opinions of some people organisers were delighted that the High they experienced and how much they cards have also been distributed to young while gaining valuable experience’. In Sheriff of Bedfordshire, the Countess of wanted to change things, the team played people at community events across Knowsley. short creating safer communities. Erroll, had invited many guests to support their very powerful and moving music The current team handed over the In the Category B Awards (for the Police Cadets, including the Chief video. Online, to date, the film has had project over to a new committee this those with projects started by others but Constable and Deputy Chief Fire Officer Sheriffs’ Association, Jeremy Burton DL. 2,735 views. The group will put their January who plan to expand the project. Deborah Inskip DL Trustee, National Crimebeat; Certificates and medals were given to the prize money towards helping it reach as A team from North Yorkshire were the Bedfordshire 2013-14 winners by two former High Sheriffs, both many more young people as possible. happy recipients of the third prize of £500. trustees of National Crimebeat, Deborah The second prize of £750 went to a team Their project, entitled ‘Community Safety Inskip DL and Nicky Weston DL. from Merseyside with a project called ‘Don’t Fun Day’, was created by four young people he annual National The winner of the £1,000 first be a victim’. The group which came up with from Eastfield who were members of the Crimebeat Awards took prize was a team of 19 from Kent. This this project is the committee within a youth organisation Ourspace Hub. Following an place in the Galleon Suite submission was completed by one of the club based in Knowsley. They wanted to attack on the local police station, these four at the Royal National young people involved in the project. The create a peer education project that would young people wanted to do something to THotel on 16 March, very generously group of young people were ‘sick of drugs benefit other members of the club. Following improve the area’s reputation by making offered to us again by Alex and Richard and violence happening in our community surveys and consultation they discovered Eastfield a safe place to live. They organised (Hertfordshire 1997) Walduck who and we wanted to tell others there is that the issue most experienced or feared by a Community Safety Fun Day where their have kindly accepted our booking for a better way to live’. They specifically young people was having something stolen. neighbours could not only enjoy themselves 2017. The ceremony was most successful mentioned the issues of drugs, alcohol and Armed with this information they devised but also have access to different services and much enjoyed by everyone. other abuses affecting their communities. a quiz to test young people’s knowledge and information for all age groups. They In the A Category Awards (for those who With support of an action fund and the arranged the attendance of many attractions start their own project and then develop it), staff at the Quarter Deck Youth Club they including a mobile police station for Above left: The team from Kent with the High there were three prizewinners. Their awards created a music video to go with a song Sheriff of Kent, William Alexander (centre), and property marking, fire and rescue, RNLI were made by the Chairman of the High they wrote called Find a Solution. So far other supporters for advice on water safety (Eastfield is by

10 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 11 The Red Mass 2014 national crimebeat anniversary Young people creating safer communities www.national-crimebeat.org.uk Capability Brown

of Bedfordfordshire, the Bishop of Bedford, former High Sheriffs and High Sheriffs in nomination. The winning Bedfordshire team were the Luton-based Police Cadets who had excelled locally in many projects supporting the diverse community. In particular, cadets had helped devise – and took part in – A Capable Sheriff ‘Operation Vision’ duties. This operation has been run on many occasions and involves cadets going from door to door, embers will of names and it was not a foregone answering residents’ questions and giving know of this year’s conclusion that the other nominees crime prevention advice, as well as helping 300th anniversary of would ever serve. The London Gazette with bike marking and number plate the birth (or more of 11-14 November 1769 published security. With the assistance of all the cadets strictlyM the baptism on 30 August Brown last in the list of nominees nominated, Operation Vision has identified 1716) of Lancelot Brown. The and neither Charles Bowles or Robert those who are vulnerable in the community celebrated and prolific manipulator Bragge ahead of him ever served, nor and those with whom Bedfordshire police of landscapes which he deemed had was he nominated in the lists of 1768 need to engage more frequently. This has all ‘capability’ for improvement operated or 1767, so he hardly had time to ‘hit been achieved in addition to attendance at Above: The SAFE Youth Club representatives from Warwickshire with (left to right) Kieran McGerty, without a break from the 1740s until the ground running’ as expected in the training periods and volunteering outside Lady Hameed, the High Sheriff Janet Bell Smith and immediate past High Sheriff, Clare Hopkinson his death in 1783. He also designed 21st century. The 4th Earl of Sandwich, being a cadet. Two of the nominees led or altered houses and ornamental of Hinchingbrooke near Huntingdon, the cadets during the Operation Vision buildings for which his parks, claimed to control the nomination events; Katrice as Deputy Head Cadet and opened community woodland, Foundry ‘illegalising’ these substances in the minds gardens and clumps of trees provided of the county’s sheriffs, but it may be Daniel as a Cadet Instructor, the latter Wood, when two 14-year-old members of fellow pupils. Working with the Police the setting. Among his greatest that John Heathcote, of Conington in addition to his paid job as a PCSO. started a fire without realising the Neighbourhood team twelve sixth-formers achievements is his work at Burghley, Castle, Huntingdonshire and sheriff in Having volunteer Police Cadets involved in potential consequences and burnt down trained to become ambassadors within the where his portrait by Nathaniel Dance 1767, had some influence too, seeking these crime prevention duties gives them a the toilet block. Following restorative school making themselves available for peer- hangs and where he was consulted a Huntingdonshire man in line with chance to experience the full spectrum of justice intervention the two young people to-peer advice sessions and directing to other by the 9th Earl of Exeter for over the custom of rotating sheriffs between policing and make a valuable contribution agreed to clear the site and contributed support if needed. They are creating a school 20 years. Successive High Sheriffs Cambridgeshire, the Isle of Ely within to community and crime prevention events. ideas about the design of the replacement web page for other students to explore the in nomination attending Burghley Cambridgeshire, and Huntingdonshire. The joint first-prize winner was a block. Other members of the club decided issues, using the information they have seminars will have driven through his Judging by Brown’s engagement with © Portrait of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, c.1770-75, team from Warwickshire. During March to spend their Easter holiday on site obtained during their training which has park, admired his lake and classical over 20 new or continuing commissions by Richard Cosway (1742-1821)/Private Collection/ to August 2015 ten members of the clearance. Following this they all helped involved speaking to former and recovering bridge, passed his stables on arrival in 1770, he worked throughout his Bridgeman Images SAFE Youth Club aged between 13 and with the replacement building, learning drug users. Although this project is still and lunched in his orangery. shrieval year, his professional base 16 years took part in this project. Youth to follow plans and drawings, measure progressing there is potential to extend it Less is known about Brown’s being Wilderness House, Hampton the Assize , however, as we know club members had been visiting a newly and saw timber and to drill holes. They to other vulnerable young people outside Shrievalty, for in 1770 he became Court which he and his family had from an anecdote reported by one of constructed the handrails, floor, walls the school. Crickhowell is an affluent rural High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire and occupied since his royal appointment Brown’s greatest detractors, Uvedale and steps before the composting toilet area where the crime rate is low and the Huntingdonshire, the two counties as Master Gardener in 1764. Although Price in his Essay on the Picturesque, was installed. The construction of this two incidents referred to above rocked the sharing a sheriff between 1155 and his clients tended to be great territorial (p 245): ‘when Mr Brown was High- community asset was featured in the local community. The group from Powys gave 1964 (except for 1636-42). In 1767 magnates, the majority of these were Sheriff, some facetious person observing media and one of the young people went an excellent presentation at the Awards he acquired Fenstanton Manor, peers and excluded from the Shrievalty. his attendants straggling, called out on to spend his work experience with a Ceremony and won the Hugh Burnett Huntingdonshire, from the 8th He advised many smaller landowners, to him, “Clump your javelin men”.’ carpenter. The benefits of the project have Award for the best presentation, together Earl of Northampton, his client at including at least eight sheriffs – one been numerous but mainly it has taught with a cheque for £100 very kindly endowed Castle Ashby, writing off some of the being Sir William Loraine of Kirkharle, Andrew Wells club members the danger of fires and to by Hugh Burnett, Chairman 2011-13. earl’s debt to him as part-payment Northumberland (sheriff 1774), Kent 2005-06 give something back to the community. There were many more nominations for the estate. He thus fulfilled the grandson of Brown’s first employer The Sheriffs of Cambridgeshire and The third-prize winners were a team of projects this year, 39 in total from just essential qualification of owning in 1732. Brown’s eldest brother John Huntingdonshire: A brief history (2007) from Powys who brought with them an 14 High Sheriffs. The standard was so property within his bailiwick. was the Loraines’ agent and married is a fascinating and scholarly account amazing 14 supporters who were all very high that it became difficult to decide How and by whom he was their daughter Jane in 1743. of the counties served by Capability warmly welcomed to the ceremony. Their on the winners and the judges had to nominated is open to speculation since How much spare time he had for Brown as High Sheriff. I am grateful project was entitled ‘Illegalise Legal'ighs’. deliberate long and hard. After lunch the procedure then was more fluid shrieval duties is not known, and most for advice given by its author, Elizabeth Following two near-death incidents all finalists had a very enjoyable trip than it is now. Vested political interests legal requirements were performed by Stazicker, former Head of Heritage, involving pupils at Crickhowell High round London in an open-topped bus in counties influenced the choice the Under Sheriff. He did attend on Cambridgeshire County Council. Ed. Above: Hugh Burnett awarding Powys for School taking legal-high substances, pupils followed by a ride on the London Eye. the best presentation started to ask what they could do about Warm congratulations to them all.

12 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 13 Getting Court Getting Court

and hopefully the children are prepared for the and usually show that their sentencing policy is visit before they come. The children arrive at about considerably to the right of Attila the Hun! 9.30 and are briefed by our wonderful court clerk, In order for Getting Court to work it Karen, who gives them an idea of who will be in is important to have a who relates to court and what the procedure will be. She also the children and ‘buys in’ to the project. In gives them a firm steer to behave themselves! I Oxfordshire we are extremely lucky in having then give them a talk about High Sheriffs, how we enthusiastic judges, and Gloucestershire and used to rule Oxfordshire with a rod of iron, what Worcestershire, where Getting Court is also up and impression seeing ‘live’ cases has had on me, and I running, have keen supporters in Judges Tabor and encourage them to ask the judge questions. I stress Juckes respectively. how important it is to respect all in the court, Second, you must have a reasonably large in particular the accused who is innocent until courtroom so that the children do not get in found guilty, and for whom the experience is most the way. unpleasant. Third, it is essential to have an administrator I then collect the judge, and Judge Pringle, our who will liaise with the schools to explain senior judge, welcomes them and gives them some Getting Court to the teachers and to fix up the idea of the cases they will see. If necessary the court ‘appointments’ with the court. It is best if you can will ‘vet’ the cases beforehand so there is nothing hire someone on a part-time basis. Teachers and too unsuitable in the list, but the children seem court staff are very willing, but also very pressed pretty resilient and I am sure this is not exclusive for time. to Oxfordshire. Normally we attend a sentencing Finally, it is important to have funding. I had day (most courts have a day each week set aside a fundraiser at the beginning of the year when for sentencing) and this gives the children the Andrew Roberts very kindly came to talk about opportunity to see several cases. For a sentencing, Waterloo and the generous people of Oxfordshire they hear the competing arguments of the barristers, dug deep into their pockets. This will keep and then the judge’s summing up and reasons for the project going for a bit, but we will have to the sentence. If it is a prison sentence the prisoner is keep fundraising unless we are clever enough to sent down, always a harrowing spectacle. persuade the County Council to support us or, as At about 12.30 the court rises, and this gives Gloucestershire have done, get generous funding the children a chance to ask questions. Judge from the police and crime commissioner.

Photo: Maureen O’Neill, Director of Development, Faculty of Law, University of Oxford of University Law, of Faculty Development, of Director O’Neill, Maureen Photo: Pringle takes off his wig and after a bit the My objectives in launching Getting Court in questions come thick and fast. This can be the Oxfordshire were threefold. First, I wanted children most rewarding part of the morning, when the to see for themselves how those who are upholding Above: High Sheriff with students and children show how engaged they have been with the law are serving our communities. A teacher Lord Dyson, Master the process, demonstrate very interesting reactions told me how one of her more vulnerable charges of the Rolls, after to the various crimes they have heard about, felt ‘empowered’ by seeing how the justice system Lord Dyson gave the High Sheriff’s supported people like her. Law Lecture at the Second, I wanted children to see the Getting Court Examination Schools consequences of straying the wrong side of the in Oxford line. The subliminal message is definitely ‘don’t Tom Birch Reynardson The idea of setting up Getting Court in Right: With some do it’. Many of the cases, such as the young man High Sheriff of Oxfordshire 2015-16 Oxfordshire germinated when I attended the mock trial students I mentioned initially, make quite an impact and Burghley seminar for High Sheriffs in nomination Below right: Hannah generate a lot of discussion afterwards. t our first Getting Court hearing in in 2014 and Hugh Tollemache (Gloucestershire Prince (left), and her Third, I want children to see that there is a teacher Stephanie Oxford, a young man was up before 2013) described how in Gloucestershire the High Clinch from career in those professions involved in the legal Judge Ross. He had burgled four Sheriffs had set up a programme to allow school Gosford Hill School, process. We have had children interested in Kidlington with pubs in order to fund his drug habit; children to visit Court in order to see His Honour Judge becoming solicitors and probation workers, and heA then overdosed and found himself in Stoke justice being meted out. This struck a chord with Pringle QC, Honorary even one who wanted to be a forensic scientist. Mandeville Hospital where he proceeded to steal me, and so I contacted Tom Frost, then High Sheriff Recorder of Oxford The project seems to have been a great success and the High Sheriff a nurse’s handbag and car keys. He then crashed of Gloucestershire, who invited me to Gloucester to and we now have schools booked up until December. her new car. Judge Ross was not impressed and see what Getting Court involved. I had an extremely Although this is very much a project under the sent him down for 36 months. The children were interesting morning in the Crown Court (the ‘umbrella’ of the High Sheriff, there is definitely no astounded by how old he looked. Judge Ross first time I had been into a Crown Court despite obligation on my successors to be involved at all, told them that all his drug addict ‘clients’ looked practising as a solicitor for more years than I care although I hope that they will enjoy attending court much older than they actually were, and gave to remember!) and came away resolved to set up a as I have done and will lend their support to it. them a very down-to-earth view on the dangers similar programme in Oxfordshire. I have certainly found the whole experience of taking drugs and the importance of never The idea is that schoolchildren aged about very rewarding, and I highly recommend it to stepping over the wrong side of the line. The 14/15 (years 9 and 10) come to court to see how prospective High Sheriffs. I am of course very view of the children was that Judge Ross should justice is done. Before they come we send their happy to talk to anyone who is interested in have given a harsher sentence! teachers a USB stick with teaching material on it launching Getting Court in their county.

14 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 15 x

they have begun. Koestler Associates, artist who we train to deliver tailored our new membership scheme, makes this support and advice to help the mentee possible. We remain invested in offenders’ pursue an arts-led resettlement plan. journeys throughout the year, offering ‘[F]or a lot of people in jail, being The Koestler a range of services including guidance accepted to do this [scheme] is probably and response. We will be able to offer the best thing in their life. It’s probably Associates guaranteed feedback on their the first time that someone has turned artwork and opportunities to be involved to them and said “You know what? in producing a Koestler magazine. Something you do is good.” ...So the mere Trust Journey: ‘It's really fantastic to hear someone fact of them being in the programme else’s comments and encouragement – is a major step in terms of looking at doing time with the arts prison so often is about put-downs and themselves differently.’ Koestler mentee discouragement. When it’s not, then it can sometimes be platitudes, but the SUSTAINING NETWORKS Koestler Awards feel real. A big thank ‘It has given us hope for the future – we you to all the judges.’ Koestler entrant had no hope whatsoever and this is truly Sally Taylor life-changing. Parents have a sentence too.’ Chief Executive, Koestler Trust THE JOURNEY CONTINUES Family member after attending a family day [email protected] The journey does not end post- It’s not just offenders who are on Above: The Pain I Cause, HM Prison Grendon, Gustave Courbet Highly Commended Award release. Indeed, for many, this is the a turbulent journey – their families for Portraits, 2012 s the UK’s best known time when they are most in need of and friends are affected too. For many, prison arts charity, the support. In response, we have developed having family in prison brings emotional Koestler Trust has spent 53 opportunities for ex-offenders to continue hardship and can lead to stigma and We are fortunate to be the only charity years acting as a catalyst their involvement with the arts. exclusion. We want to support families supported by the Ministry of Justice and Afor positive and creative journeys in Each year we recruit, train and support during their journey, and for their Arts Council England, and of course have the lives of offenders. We continue to ex-offenders to host our UK exhibition at relative’s artistic achievement to give them to fundraise for everything we achieve. I work across the whole of the prison London’s Southbank Centre. This transforms strength and hope too. very much welcome the support of High estate, including young offenders in both the lives of those who are employed Our family days give exhibited entrants Sheriffs, and look forward to welcoming secure settings, giving as many people and the general public’s understanding the opportunity to invite relatives to a as many of you as possible to our annual as possible the opportunity to benefit of who offenders are and what they can special viewing of the exhibition, during exhibition at the Southbank Centre on 2 from our work. contribute. The roles act as an important which they are given the rare opportunity November. In the meantime, if you feel able Through our awards, exhibitions, step in the journey to resettlement and, more to celebrate positive achievement and to support our work – and in particular our sales, mentoring, employment projects specifically, into employment. Last year five feel pride. We organise the day, pay for Family Days, which are so important for and feedback for creative work we aim to: of our hosts were offered permanent posts transport and lunch and, where needed, the rehabilitation of offenders – I would be • Equip individuals in the criminal Above: Through You, HM Prison Lowdham at the Southbank Centre at the end of their accommodation, without which many delighted to talk to you about this. Do feel justice system with motivation, creativity KICK-STARTING THE JOURNEY Grange, Bronze Award for Portraits, 2012 time working with us. families could not afford to attend. free to contact me directly. and skills to turn their lives around and ‘Thank you for taking the time to visit We also offer unique, one-to-one arts commit to the journey of rehabilitation HMP Gartree in November. It was a mentoring to ex-offenders with creative Below: Self Portrait, HM Prison Lindholme, Below left: Criminal Education, HM Prison Highpoint, Margaret Wignall Highly Commended Award for • Inform the public about the real privilege to meet you and to be Lady Adamson Highly Commended Award for enthusiasm and talent. We pair each Portraits, 2011. Centre: A 43 Year Old Man, HM Prison North Sea Camp, Silver Award for Portraits, 2013. journeys offenders go on and give them presented with an award in the process. Portraits, 2010 mentee with a volunteer, professional Below right: Inverse, HM Prison Shotts, Toby Bushell Gold Award for Portraits, 2012 opportunities to be active participants in I know it gave everyone a real boost and their rehabilitation. I hope to make further contributions this Over 3,000 people enter the Koestler year.’ Koestler entrant Awards each year, with 8,500 works in 50 Across UK secure establishments different art categories. Our annual UK art rooms are closing and art provision exhibition is held at the Southbank Centre is being cut. More than ever there is a for two months in the autumn, and in need for us to visit and connect face to 2016-17 we will also be in Glasgow and face so that we can catalyse more creative Birmingham. These exhibitions attract journeys and recognise entrants who win around 30,000 visitors per year. our awards. Education staff also need our We were delighted in 2015 when help to keep art on the prison learning Jonnie Turpie, High Sheriff of West agenda. The correlation between our visits Midlands, chose the Trust as one his and artistic productivity is clear: entries charities of the year, and also for the to our awards invariably increase from the interest and enthusiasm for our work of secure establishments we have visited. Caroline and William Alexander, . We were very pleased to SUSTAINING MOTIVATION help them with a nomination for one of We continue to support people beyond our the High Sheriff’s Awards for a prison art initial contact, maintaining momentum so tutor in Kent. that they commit to the positive journey

16 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 17 The Butler Trust Award Ceremony

those employed in community and youth represented involving veterans in custody, justice generally go unrecognised and deaf and disabled prisoners as well as an unsung. Yet thousands of people are internationally renowned braille workshop involved in dealing with some of society’s based at HMP Garth. most troubled people – and the Trust’s As Her Royal Highness noted in her work involves identifying, celebrating, opening remarks, this event is a way of and sharing the good practice of the best thanking people who rarely get the credit of these. they deserve. The Princess went on to The Awards are the most prestigious commend the work of many winners as in the sector, and the committed offering great examples of the kind of involvement of The Princess since the really good practice that is well worth Trust’s founding in 1985 extends beyond sharing across the country – as well as the Award Ceremony itself, to include inspiring cases of resilience and creativity visits to the places of work of Butler Trust that characterise so much of the work winners. This year we glimpsed, in the taking place in our prisons, and in the stories of our winners, something of the community. As one member of the Trust’s outstanding and often pioneering work Awarding Panel put it, the event offered that quietly happens, with little fanfare, an important and timely reminder of the every day. We learnt of a commercially sheer levels of ‘tenacity, strength, optimism successful fly-fishing workshop run by and grit’ that pervade the sector. an officer in HMP Exeter, and of the world’s first gay prisoners’ football team. Julian Avery DL One probation officer had stopped President, High Sheriffs’ Association; a prolific offender from stealing his East Sussex 2004 way into providing his girlfriend with a birthday present by teaching him Members can learn more about the Trust’s work from its website, www.butlertrust.org.uk, to bake a cake (he had never melted which also contains detailed descriptions of the winners’ work. chocolate). Projects and programmes were Inspiring Stories from a Memorable Event The Butler Trust Award Ceremony

n my capacity as President of felt members of the Association might Above: Dr Kerensa Hocken receiving the 2016 Princess Royal’s Prize for Outstanding the Association, I’m fortunate to be interested to learn more about this Achievement (the highest Award) for her attend many interesting occasions. remarkable charity – and the Award exceptional work at HMP Whatton as However, wearing another hat – Ceremony, which is sometimes held clinical lead for the treatment of prisoners convicted of a sexual offence asI a trustee and treasurer of the Butler at Buckingham Palace and on other Trust – I am also lucky enough to take occasions at the senior Palace of The Opposite page: Some of the recipients of Awards and Commendations with Her part in a particularly inspiring event, its Sovereign, St James’s Palace, where this Royal Highness The Princess Royal Annual Award Ceremony. year’s event took place on 10 March. The Trust, named in honour of the Each year, the Trust’s Royal Patron, reforming Home Secretary ‘RAB’ Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Butler, plays a vital role in an area of generously hosts the Ceremony at considerable interest to High Sheriffs, which around ten Awards and twenty given our role in relation to both the Commendations are given to some of the Crown and the judiciary, as well as the best and brightest people working in the support and encouragement we give to United Kingdom’s correctional settings. crime prevention agencies. I therefore Prison officers, probation workers, and

18 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 19 News from and about members News from and about members

even sourced a talented young bugler to herald my arrival and short speech. The partnership theme continued throughout A celebration the year including a High Sheriff’s Reception at Willen Hospice and a High Sheriff’s Afternoon Tea at the Art in the Park Festival held by Anouar Kassim and his MK Islamic Arts and Culture of partnership group. Both events offered opportunities to invite guests from across the county. My final event was a Celebration of Partnership Below: High Sheriff’s When invited to accept the nomination for prisons, they are passionate about prison education. held in a splendid new building in the centre of Reception at Walton Hall, the Open High Sheriff, my first words were ‘But I haven’t Chief Executive Dr Julie Mills was immediately Aylesbury. University Campus Aylesbury Vale is University: John got a big house!’; ‘Take them to the pub!’ said the enthusiastic about jointly hosting a High Sheriff’s a partnership between Bucks New University and Skelton, Francesca Skelton, Peter encouraging High Sheriff. Justice Dinner, to reflect on the achievements and Aylesbury College, demonstrating an impressive Horrocks CBE, Vice- I was not ‘of the land’, but an incomer to challenges of the justice system in our county. commitment to the skills agenda. I partnered with Chancellor of the Milton Keynes, the new town approaching its 50th On a June evening an excellent dinner was UCAV, the two Community Foundations (Milton Open University and his wife Rosemary birthday in 2017 which now constitutes a third of prepared by the MK College students at the Keynes and the Heart of Bucks), and Aylesbury Rogers Photograph: the population of our ancient, ceremonial county splendid Bletchley Park, thanks to the generosity of College students provided hospitality and catering. Frazer Waller of Buckinghamshire. its Chief Executive Iain Standen. The speaker was I was so pleased to introduce the wide range of Rather than rely on my local thatched pub for Baroness Kennedy QC and the 100 guests included guests to this new, transformative campus. entertaining, I decided to embrace partnership and our Lord-Lieutenant, judges, , the Mason Marion Photograph: At all times these partnerships were about mutual showcase important organisations in the county. bishop, police and crime commissioner, the chief benefit. The partners respected the Office of High My first partner was Milton Keynes College. constable and senior Thames Valley Police officers, Sheriff and valued the opportunities it brought them Holding the offender learning contract for 28 governors of our four prisons and representatives to nurture networks and showcase their contribution to our county. High Sheriffs may have lost their power to command in the name of the Sovereign, but what impressed me were the opportunities to provide a neutral, positive platform for people to share their challenges, achievements and ambitions. I have been struck by the commitment, energy, and engagement of all the people I have met. It has been a privilege, as it is now to hand the High Sheriff’s baton to Milly Soames to continue the connections and conversations across our ceremonial county of Buckinghamshire.

Francesca Skelton DL High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire 2015-16 of probation, national offender management, Top: Celebration business, universities and charities. of Partnership, Aylesbury: As I welcomed the guests, I playfully remarked presentation of that many in the room had stripped High Sheriffs of High Sheriff’s Award their ancient powers, but what we could now marshal to Jenny Street, Chairman of Bucks was the power of ideas, connections and conversations. Federation of WIs The feedback afterwards was enthusiastic, with Above: High Sheriff’s immediate outcomes such as judges arranging visits to Justice Dinner, their local prisons, and magistrates inviting the head of Bletchley Park: High offender learning to give a presentation. Sheriff, Dr Alan Wilson, Bishop of For my second event I approached the Open Buckingham, Francis University. With a new Vice-Chancellor, Peter Habgood, Chief Constable of Thames Horrocks, joining in May, could the High Sheriff Valley Police, introduce him to the county of Buckinghamshire? Baroness Kennedy. This idea was embraced enthusiastically and my Right: Handing over High Sheriff’s Reception was held in July organised to Milly Soames at

by the generous and committed OU team who her Declaration Mason Marion Photograph:

20 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 21 Derbyshire News from and about members News from and about members

dinner was a delight. Otherwise, visits to the Crown Court, to Magistrates and Fortitude in the face of adversity Savouring to the Coroner were all regular events and we were bowled over by the kind reception that we always received. ‘Hit the ground running’ was a clear every Links to law and order meant that I message from Burghley and I made was invited to be a regular visitor to the every effort to do just that – what good constabulary, both at headquarters and also advice it was. I read past High Sheriffs’ moment to the divisions. I was pleased to present diaries, researched on the web, read local bravery and achievement awards at four newspapers I didn’t usually receive and Now that my shrieval year is over, different ceremonies, and otherwise I spent met with as many organisations as I could. many people say to me, ‘Didn’t your year time with personnel in public protection, Having priorities planned was useful and I go quickly?’ I completely disagree! Instead, dogs, drugs, forensics and the 999 room. achieved many of them – such as visiting the constant flow of new experiences, of For someone who had not known the police Above: On stage at Buxton Opera House all 12 mountain rescue teams and all four making new friends and of going to new before, it was inspiring to see what happens after The Pirates of Penzance, with Dianne Jeffrey Chairman of Age UK and the Duke of lifeboat stations in Cumbria. I visited places, made me feel that I was for ever in the county to keep us all safe, as well as Devonshire Patron of Foundation Derbyshire BAE Systems Nuclear Submarine building setting out on a new adventure. It is a rare bringing the perpetrators of crime to justice. facility, was the returning officer at the privilege to be High Sheriff and I never Visits to charities always made general election and toured the plant that anticipated that the experience would be so an impression on me, reminding me thorough and I declared the eventual result will be making the new £5 and £10 plastic far-reaching and so fulfilling. And, despite that some people’s lives are not always at 6.45 am. I have maintained contact bank notes. Most of those opportunities calling Derbyshire ‘home’ all my life, I as fortunate as others’, their troubles with both the victor Patrick McLoughlin arose because as High Sheriff you can found that there was much more for me often precipitated through no fault of MP and the runner-up Cllr Andy Botham, invite yourself into places you wouldn’t to discover in the county than I had ever their own. Mostly I was impressed by whose regular employment is as a train otherwise gain access to. known about previously. the smaller charities, driven to success driver for East Midlands Trains. This had Knowing in advance that this would Cumbria Crimebeat Fund, with our guest fortitude in the face of adversity. I am My wife Fiona and I embraced the through the selfless commitment of a happy conclusion for me because Cllr be the 800th Anniversary of the sealing of speaker Mary Berry. What a treat for our extremely proud of how the community traditional role of overseeing the welfare volunteers determined to do their best. Botham undertook to take us in his cab all Magna Carta allowed me to connect with 320 guests to listen to her; it was a fantastic came together and helped each other. of judges in the county. Derbyshire has During the year I attended many the way to London in January – you will be Cartmel Priory, which was one of only evening which raised a significant amount There was a true sense of everyone no High Court and I was advised not to concerts, ceremonies and pageants. The reassured to know that I never touched any five venues on the official trail. Cartmel for the charity. We also had the pleasure of wanting to do their ‘bit’ no matter how expect any ‘Red Judges’ to visit; but this most significant of these was our Legal of the controls! Priory was founded by William Marshall, hosting Mary and her husband for dinner small. It was also staggering that the was incorrect! We were delighted that Service at Derby Cathedral. We hosted a I am often asked what the highlight of one of the barons who persuaded King the night before at our home, where the rest of the country sensed the need in two passed through and hosting them at lunch before it at the Art Gallery which my year was. Undoubtedly a unique moment John to seal Magna Carta, who became students from the local catering college Cumbria by sending vans and lorries is packed with incredible Joseph Wright was in October when I hosted a one-off

Prince Regent to Henry III on John’s prepared and served a four-course dinner. from all corners bringing fresh water, Below: Before the legal service with the paintings – it was a wonderful day shared performance of The Pirates of Penzance death. It proved to be an exceptional The end of 2015 proved extremely food, clothes, bedding, furniture – in Queen’s Remembrancer Senior Master with many judges, county and civic performed by the Derby Gilbert & Sullivan weekend culminating in a son-et- lumière. challenging with the floods at the fact, anything you could think of. There Fontaine, Hon Mrs Justice Andrews, Chief leaders, and neighbouring High Sheriffs. Company at beautiful Buxton Opera House, Constable, Bishop Humphrey Southern, Probably the most memorable event was beginning of December. However, the is still a great deal to do, but the recovery neighbouring High Sheriffs, the Coroner and I enjoyed acting as returning officer on raising funds through the ticket sales for Age our charity dinner to raise money for the people of Cumbria have shown enormous process is progressing well. Circuit and District Judges election night. The count was painstakingly UK and for the community foundation, The Cumbria Community Foundation Foundation Derbyshire. Friends, colleagues runs a Winter Warmth Appeal every and acquaintances from all over the year to provide money towards heating county rallied to the cause, and many local primarily for older people and one of the companies helped even further by advertising events is a sponsored ‘Big Sleep’ night in the programme. The show was a complete under the stars. This was held at the end of sell-out and we raised an astonishing February with night temperatures getting £30,000. Some of the proceeds have already to around minus 3 degrees! been distributed to deserving causes in My wife Judy and I have had the Derbyshire through Foundation Derbyshire most amazing year. It has been an honour of which I am a trustee. and a privilege to serve the people in the This has been a brilliant year and Cumbria and we hope that in some small I could not be more grateful for the way we have been able to acknowledge opportunity of being Derbyshire’s High Above: Revd Nick Devenish, Vicar for Cartmel and thank those ‘unsung heroes’ who Priory; Mrs Claire Hensman, Lord-Lieutenant of Sheriff. It did not go quickly at all. Perhaps Cumbria; Mark Gill, Executive Director Magna work tirelessly for the good of others. it is about savouring every moment? Carta 800th Committee; Lord Cavendish of Furness and the High Sheriff. Sam Rayner Oliver Stephenson Right: Mary Berry with Sam Rayner 2015-16 High Sheriff of Derbyshire 2015-16

22 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 23 dyfed EAST sussex News from and about members News from and about members

Parachuting in… Saving I had one of the less common starts to to act as returning officer for the general lives in my shrieval year in that I was telephoned election. I duly announced the result in the last week of February to ask if for the Carmarthen West and South I could take on the role a year early. Pembrokeshire constituency – a very Sussex With so little lead-in it immediately enjoyable experience apart from one threw up several problems – how to galling moment when the girl serving organise a Declaration Ceremony at coffee at two in the morning took one Having started my year in office such short notice, where to have it, how look at my attire and enquired if I was deciding not to have a theme I have to get invitations printed and guests the town crier! concluded it so immersed in one that it invited in time, and also the problem of I imagine that every High Sheriff will continue long into the future: raising acquiring court dress a year earlier than discovers how much goes on within their awareness and extending the availability anticipated. By having the ceremony at county about which they previously of defibrillators. home and with a combination of luck knew nothing. I was constantly It all began when I was introduced and perspiration everything went off very amazed by the wonderful work done to a remarkable gentleman about whom well and all those who came enjoyed the by a complete cross section of people. I knew nothing but who lived in the slightly less formal atmosphere. Attending Police as well as Fire and same city as me. Yet talk to paramedics Above: High Sheriff below! Cripps Peter Photographer: As my charity I chose H.O.P.E., a Rescue Service Long Service Awards and they will state how much they are in Above: Shaw Harley-Davidson acquiring their defibrillator small multiple sclerosis charity based brought home to me the dedication and Below left: Roland Lewis, Under Sheriff of awe of him, as shown recently when he locally. My hasty start meant that I was bravery of members of the emergency Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire; the received a standing ovation from a large Hon Robin Lewis OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of too late to tap the larger businesses in the services. One of the normally unseen Dyfed; Jamie Lewis, High Sheriff of Dyfed; international medical gathering. As long He was called to the home of a patient wide visiting schools, Rotary and Lions area, but managed to raise over £9,000 projects that impressed me was the Fire the Venerable Dennis Wight Archdeacon of St ago as 1970 Douglas Chamberlain took suffering a cardiac arrest. He immediately clubs, church halls and hotels, promoting Davids, High Sheriff’s Chaplain; David Ellis JP; from the generosity of many friends and and Rescue Service Phoenix initiative. Richard Morris, Under Sheriff of Ceredigion up the post of consultant cardiologist at called for an ambulance, which arrived the cause to great effect. We have heard acquaintances. To give a focus to this This gives young people on the cusp the Royal Sussex County Hospital and without a defibrillator. At that time the many moving stories of lives being saved appeal I did a tandem parachute jump of offending or being excluded from it was the death of a patient early in his devices were cumbersome machines in post offices and town centres, on golf from 12,000 ft at Swansea Airport on 5 school a five-day course of drill and participants encouragement and a sense career at Brighton that inspired him to and approval had to be sought from the courses and in schools. In Bexhill the September (not in court dress I may say). fire and rescue activities, at the end of of self-worth that most lack. revolutionise pre-hospital care in Britain. medical director before they could leave Lions and Community First Responders An interesting experience. which there is a passing-out parade and We had two very enjoyable garden the hospital. The incident spurred Douglas have joined forces and now the town One advantage of advancing a year the award of certificates. This is having parties at home in August on the two Chamberlain into action and he began has 14 defibrillators. Our most recent was that I was able to exercise my right a very beneficial effect and gives the sunniest days of the summer training ambulance crews to deal with supporter is the Bishop of Chichester, We had a visit from a High Court cardiac arrests and other emergencies. It who wants to see defibrillators in every Judge to Pembrokeshire in the summer. was the birth of the first paramedic service church across the diocese; I have started This has not happened for many in the UK and the idea soon spread across the ball rolling by installing one at St years and was a very unexpected, but Europe and, indeed, the world. Margaret’s in Ditchling, the church of enlightening, experience. Now aged 84, Professor Chamberlain my phenomenal chaplain, the Reverend There have been so many interesting remains a tour de force in the world of David Wallis. Once these devices are in occasions during the year and so many emergency medicine. Yet for some years situ members of the public need to know people to thank for inviting me/us to he had been frustrated by the slow take- where they are located: church spires are their events that the list would go on for up of defibrillators on his own doorstep. highly visible, so follow the spire… pages. Just let me say that without Judy, Paul Sutton, the chief executive of the Now, at the conclusion of my year in my wife, I would have sunk without trace. South East Coast Ambulance Service, and office, I have been able to acknowledge Note to High Sheriffs in nomination: his operating unit manager, Tim Fellows, at a High Sheriff’s Awards ceremony not I had not been able to attend the arranged a meeting late in the summer. just many of the amazing unsung heroes Burghley Seminar two years before I was From then on shrieval networking skills from across the county in all walks of life, due to be High Sheriff and was then in came to the fore and in the autumn the but also Professor Chamberlain himself, office before the 2015 one. My resulting Sussex newspaper, the Argus, agreed to who once again, at the conclusion of lack of information has often been a launch the ‘Save a Life’ campaign, calling his citation being read out, received a disadvantage. Don’t miss Burghley! Mould copyright: Photography Tony on all sectors of the community to install standing ovation. Above: Recipients of High Sheriff’s Awards and these devices. Professor Douglas Chamberlain CBE receiving Jamie Lewis a standing ovation supported by Tim Fellows, Since then Professor Chamberlain, Juliet Smith JP High Sheriff Dyfed 2015-16 Juliet Smith and the Reverend David Wallis Tim Fellows and I have travelled far and High Sheriff of East Sussex 2015-16

24 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 25 News from and about members News from and about members

Snug as a bug

The second half of my year proved aboard the Emmeline Pankhurst. After to have this equipment on all its fire every bit as enjoyable as the first. As well lunch I spoke about the improvements in appliances. as my own Judges’ Service I also attended women’s equality since I started my career Grahame and I were honoured to services in , Merseyside and in the late 1960s. Still on a nautical theme attend the 75th Anniversary of the 1st Cheshire, each slightly different but all I was delighted to name and launch a Polish Independent Parachute Brigade and very impressive. specially built sailing dinghy bought with were greeted by the Consul General of the I held an inaugural golf day in aid funds raised by Rochdale East Rotary Republic of Poland, Lukasz Lutostanski. of my Police Trust Fund on a glorious Club. The Gracie has been adapted for use We were delighted to chat with a small October day, attracting the maximum by disabled sailors and will be used by over number of veterans from that brigade – all number of teams. With my husband 1,000 people. of them now in their nineties – before Grahame I enjoyed the dinner afterwards I attended the passing out parade for unveiling a plaque to commemorate Major and presented prizes with Sir Peter Fahy, 22 newly qualified firefighters, the first for General Stanislaw Franciszek Sosabowski then the Chief Constable. nearly eight years in Greater Manchester. CBE who during the Second World War I have attended several Greater Family, friends and guests were given displayed great bravery and outstanding Manchester Police events including demonstrations by the trainees, which leadership skills. In 1941 he formed and passing out parades for Police Cadets, included the use of a Cold Cut Systems led the 1st Polish Parachute Brigade which a conference celebrating 100 years ultra-high pressure lance that rapidly fought with distinction during Operation of women in policing, a visit to the reduces the temperature of a fire to ensure Market Garden in September 1944 and The totality of the experience fascinating Police Museum, a day with conditions are cooler for firefighters earned great respect from comrades in the the Mounted Police and Dog Unit and who have to enter the blaze. Tactical British airborne forces. a Christmas concert where we were ventilation is then used to remove fire Perhaps the most extraordinary Born and bred in Essex, I have always modern policing. So there is plenty for in this regard but wherever I have gone fabulously entertained by the wonderful gasses and smoke thus allowing the crew event I took part in was the ‘Manchester been proud to call myself ‘pure Essex’ the High Sheriff to do in respect of the I have been greatly impressed by the GMP Band. to rescue casualties faster than traditional Sleepout’, an event organised by the and there can be no doubt that Essex is prime responsibility of law and order. positive approach taken in the face of To celebrate International Women’s techniques. Greater Manchester is the first Booth Centre in November to raise a fascinating county of which to be High Our main employer is London and these difficulties. Essex’s greatest strength Day I cruised around Salford Quays Fire and Rescue Service in the country awareness of the great difficulties facing Sheriff. It is large at 1,420 square miles; the but in addition is its determination and ability to find a homeless people. At 9.00 pm all those has the longest coastline in the country we have: three major ports, , way through. taking part went into the grounds of at 363 miles; is populous with 1.75m DP World and ; two airports, It has been a great privilege to see the Clockwise from below: The High Sheriff with some of the Polish veterans. Preparing to Manchester Cathedral to find a spot settle down for the night! The winning team with the High Sheriff and Sir Peter Fahy. inhabitants; diverse with 14 district and Stansted and Southend; and two crack county from top to toe, warts and all, for the night. Together with the Mayor borough councils, 18 MPs, two cathedral army formations, 16 Air Assault Brigade and for me the highlight has been the of Trafford we found some space and towns and five other significant towns; based at and 33 and 101 totality of this experience with my started to make ourselves as comfortable has one of the largest economies outside Engineer Regiments (bomb disposal) at strongest memory being of the wonderful as possible. It was a lovely mild night London; is blessed with exceptionally Carver Barracks, all of which are leaders people working for the common good until 4.00 am when the heavens opened beautiful countryside and outstanding in their fields. And we have a thriving often in the most trying circumstances. and it continued to rain heavily for the churches; has a long cultural tradition; commercial sector with a few large The Justice Service encompassed all that rest of the Sleepout. Fortunately, I had and is characterised by its vitality. companies but a host of entrepreneurial is best in this endeavour. a waterproof survival bag so was snug We have four Magistrates’ Courts, smaller companies selling quality products enough until I sat up and then got quite two Crown Courts, one County Court, round the world. Vincent Thompson damp round the edges when rainwater one Coroner’s Court and one Military We also have a very active voluntary 2015-16 flowed into my sleeping bag! I remained Court; and two prisons, one civil and sector with some 400,000 engaged in outside until 5.30 am when the urge for a one military, all of which I have had the voluntary activities of some form. So there hot drink got the better of me. privilege to visit. We have an active and is no shortage of calls on the High Sheriff Above: Declaration Ceremony in the Council The Sleepout doesn’t pretend to be highly regarded police force seen to be over and above the work on law and order. Chamber, County Hall, : His an experience of what it’s really like to Honour Judge Owen-Jones, His Honour at the cutting edge of modern policing I chose for my theme The Common Judge Lodge, Rt Revd Thomas McMahon, be homeless, but what it does do is raise and leading many initiatives such as Good because I was interested to see the Bishop Emeritus of Brentwood, Chaplain to awareness of the issues faced by homeless interaction of these various streams of the High Sheriff 2015-16, Vincent Thompson, implementation of the Athena computer High Sheriff 2015-16, Cadet Sgt A Koutas, people night after night. I am delighted to system now being introduced across the activity, particularly in a year dominated cadet to the Lord-Lieutenant, Lord Petre, report that the event raised over £55,000. country. Essex Police have taken me on by change resulting from the economic Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Lorna Rolfe, High Sheriff 2016-17, Revd J Risby, Chaplain to 27 separate visits to different units to give cuts and compounded by structural and the High Sheriff 2016-17, His Honour Judge Sharman Birtles JP DL me a full picture of the complexities of technology changes. Essex is no exception Gratwicke, Her Honour Judge Lynch GMP courtesyOldham Chris of Photo High Sheriff of Greater Manchester 2015-16

26 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 27 gwent News from and about members News from and about members

of young students was presented with a brand new Monmouth town flag. As returning officer for the Newport East and West constituencies, I spent Thursday 7 May visiting the dedicated staff in the polling stations and in the evening observed the count before announcing each set of results. In Wales the results are declared first in English, then in Welsh. As a non-Welsh speaker I was determined to meet the challenge. After much practice, it worked on the night – a great experience. Although I sat alongside judges in district and family courts, not having any High Courts in Gwent gave more opportunities to travel throughout the county, meeting communities, organisations and people in all three sectors, listening and learning. community groups gathered at Pontypool Leisure Above: With Muslim community leaders Occasionally there are opportunities to facilitate. It Centre to bid for up to £4,000 from the fund. in Newport also was a great pleasure to give 38 High Sheriff’s Each group had two minutes to ‘pitch’ their project Awards to celebrate, recognise and thank those who with the presentations then being scored by the Below left: Visiting Newport Sea Cadets go the extra mile to help others. other groups. The 23 projects assessed by their In Gwent there is an especially close peers to be addressing the most pressing priorities Below: High Sheriff’s Award to relationship with the police and the police and shared in the grant pot of almost £75K. Tredegar Youth crime commissioner (PCC). The Gwent High Throughout the year I had the great privilege Café volunteers Sheriff’s Community Fund (GHSCF) holds an and fun of meeting the many committed volunteers Opposite page: annual grant-making event – ‘Your Voice, Your and groups who work so hard to build safer and High Sheriff’s Choice’ – a partnership with the PCC and the stronger communities across Gwent. They are Award to Corporal Community Foundation in Wales. Ian Johnston a huge inspiration and the Awards event was a Piper Meredith 275 (Nantyglo & Blaina) QPM, Gwent’s PCC, generously has given £25,000 terrific culmination to what was a wonderful year. Squadron ATC. Her annually to the fund. This year he also agreed to In Wales there are eight High Sheriffs and the 2015 prompt first aid action saved her match-fund up to another £25K. With generous posse was very close. I thank my fellow Welsh High grandfather’s life support from General Dynamics, Meritor, NAS Sheriffs for their friendship and support. when he cut an artery Gilwern, Waitrose, the Waterloo Foundation and individuals, that figure was reached. A record 65 Lieutenant Colonel Valete community groups bid for financial support. On A S Tuggey DL Saturday morning 19 March, the short-listed 28 High Sheriff of Gwent 2015-16

Being commanded by Her Majesty to take police force, a cathedral, eight mosques, a Buddhist command of the County of Gwent at her pleasure temple, two reserve regiments, and the wide range on Tuesday 2 April 2015 seemed a daunting of uniformed youth organisations – Gwent’s Young prospect, but it was an immensely fulfilling year – Dragons – but no High Court. Gwent ‘built the and a huge honour to be High Sheriff. world’ from its iron, coal and steel industries. I work full-time in Parliament running the Now, despite some excellent regeneration and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK. By investment, the county contains some of the most dint of much juggling and an intimate interaction deprived parts of UK. with GWR train times, doing both jobs worked 2015 was a great year to be High Sheriff. out. The international outreach work we undertake Highlights included Magna Carta, Agincourt and a in Parliament greatly informed the shrieval general election. Magna Carta was not good for the objectives I had set myself. They covered equalities, revenue streams of the Sheriffs in 1215. En route diversity and inclusion, and young people. to the British Library Association members came to With some 578,000 people Gwent is the Parliament where the Clerk of the Commons regaled most populous county in Wales. It has seven us with a view of Magna Carta, High Sheriffs and parliamentary constituencies, five local authorities, Parliament. Henry V was born in Monmouth Castle a broad spectrum of old and new communities, in 1386, so the 600th anniversary of Agincourt some with a range of cultural heritages – and many was a major event in Monmouth. A competition to with the same type of challenges. It has its own design a town flag was initiated. The winning duo

28 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 29 hampshire News from and about members News from and about members

themed lunch parties. Two of these, on ‘Reducing Reoffending’ and ‘Motivating Young People’, included presentations by relevant organisations. The Sheriff bird… The intimate scale of these occasions provided an opportunity for links to be forged, and I am It was a November night and I was running The work of prisons has also been an inspiration delighted – and a little surprised – that local up the seemingly never-ending stairs of a multi- to me. I have been heartened to see prisoners charities have been able to secure nearly £100,000, storey car park in the wake of two young police developing literacy and numeracy skills and drawing partly as a result of our more personal style of constables answering an emergency call. My heart strength from the quiet space of the chapel, despite entertaining. was pounding and the ceremonial duties of a High the constraints of their environment. HMP/YOI From the slow-stepping processions in the Law Sheriff, clad in velvet and lace, had never seemed Winchester’s Restorative Justice project ‘Inside or Sunday service to the race up those interminable more distant. What an extraordinary role it is Out’ is delivered by prisoners to young people on stairs, my year as High Sheriff has certainly kept that links one with the justice system on so many court referral orders and it has been encouraging me on my toes! The Office is far more worthwhile levels – and what a privilege it has been to be part to witness how effectively this demonstrates the than I could ever have dreamt: an opportunity to of it. I’ve felt moved and honoured when a youth harsh realities of life ‘inside’ and the consequences give support and encouragement, and, due to the worker – and former user – of a club that I visited of crime. When I made awards to prison staff I was independence of the role, to work without anyone tweeted that I was her ‘new best friend’; I’ve been told by the governor that the prisoners who worked attributing to me motives of publicity, career humbled and awed by the compassion and rigour alongside the staff were as pleased as the officers advancement or inspection. I was so grateful for of judges preparing to sentence. I have followed in were by recognition of their work on a project – said the freedom to visit, learn from and engage with so the footsteps of a rich and valuable tradition as well one: ‘Tell that Sheriff bird I’m chuffed’. many individuals and organisations. It has been a as finding ways of doing things which, to me, felt rare privilege to work at the interface between the more appropriate for the present day. Above: Out with My husband Jonathan and I were keen to use highest traditions of the justice system and their As part of my attempt to understand the Community Payback this year to enable organisations and individuals applications in modern life. shrieval role in the 21st century, I joined police Opposite page: On a to connect with each other over shared interests. on patrol on many occasions and marvelled at the police Raptor vehicle To this end, instead of one large, traditional party, Louisa Portal MBE DL extraordinary work they do. Young officers can be we opted for several smaller gatherings, including High Sheriff of Hampshire 2015-16 faced with suicide attempts, alleged rapes, domestic violence and heroin overdoses in one shift, yet still retain their composure and professionalism, reacting with humanity and respect. Thanks to being able to accompany them on a regular basis, I’ve seen the exceptional way in which they do their Right: On 6 April, duty, day after day, night after night. For them, a Mr Tom Floyd was ‘routine patrol’ is just that – however unusual the sworn in as the events and impressive their response. new High Sheriff of Hampshire and I have found that making return visits has been Mrs Rachel Brooks key in forming relationships. It has been heart- was appointed as the Under Sheriff of warming to be welcomed back to youth projects by Hampshire. Rachel workers who had assumed my interest would only is replacing Mr Jim extend to one ‘official’ visit – and it has been a Kennedy of Blake Morgan who has privilege to get to know some of the users and staff served as Under on a more informal, low-profile basis. It has really Sheriff of Hampshire touched me how much it matters to them that they for the last 28 years. At the end aren’t just a ‘one-off’ entry in an official diary. of the ceremony an I have relished every second of my involvement engraved armada dish was presented with our courts of law and have been keen to show to Jim Kennedy by young people the excellence of our judicial system. Tom Floyd and the I have regularly invited students to accompany outgoing High Sheriff of Hampshire Lady me to court, to engage with the judicial process (Louisa) Portal. This in a more immediate way than is possible from gift was provided by all the High Sheriffs the public gallery, and to have the chance to talk of Hampshire in to judges, magistrates and barristers. We are so appreciation of the fortunate in this country to have trials where each huge amount of support and service case is rigorously explored with erudition, fairness that Jim Kennedy and compassion. has rendered.

30 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 31 HEREFORDSHIRE kent News from and about members News from and about members

Positive PR for prisons It was a daunting experience to walk To spread the word more effectively, into a high security prison for the first I facilitated access for my son Thomas, time, albeit in the capacity of a visitor. a professional photographer, to record Like most people, my knowledge of not only classrooms and workshops but, what happened inside prison walls was importantly, prisoners developing new derived from press stories or television personal skills of concentration, teamwork documentaries which were invariably and job satisfaction. The images are negative – overcrowding, drugs, violence now used to showcase the potential – so I was prepared for the worst. employability of offenders as well as being Kent seems to have more than its fair a resource for the governors to use for share of prisons and my wife Caroline purposes such as staff recruitment. and I visited all seven of them. Having To understand the resettlement listened to accounts of the challenges work of open prisons better, my wife From choirs to cheerleaders Above: HMP Park: assessment for faced by the prison service, I asked several provided seasonal employment on trainee gym instructor qualification I am sure that most retiring High past, the last chorister who sung under Above left: Geraint Bowen, Director of Music, governors: ‘How can a High Sheriff help our farm for an offender on ‘ROTL’ Sheriffs believe that ‘their’ year has Elgar in Hereford died during the year. Hereford Cathedral, leads the cathedral choir you?’ Their response was clear: ‘Anything (Release on Temporary Licence). She also on a Foundation Visit to Brampton Bryan been blessed with wonderful events On a smaller scale, a ‘Foundation you can do to elicit some positive helped develop a project whereby video in the areas of art, community service and anniversaries that have uniquely Visit’ by the Hereford Cathedral choir to Above: The High Sheriff with cheerleaders from publicity about our prisons would be interviews with prospective employers and education – and the event itself, contributed to a memorable and fulfilling my packed parish church at Brampton the Miami Dolphins really welcome.’ are used as the basis for discussion with in County Hall, generated enthusiastic year; I am no exception, events such as Bryan was one of my happiest memories. Below left: At the legal service at Hereford As soon as I saw for myself the prisoners about their own potential networking and high-profile publicity. the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta I have tried to support the arts and Cathedral: District Judge Sheldrake, His work being done in education, skills employability on release. Equally as valuable were the High Honour Judge Juckes QC, Victoria Harley, and the general election have ensured this. the heritage in the county. This has Edward Harley, the Rt Hon Lord Justice training and rehabilitation, I knew it To achieve an ongoing network of Sheriff’s Prison Awards, initiated by There were also magnificent occasions involved several personal initiatives McFarlane, His Honour Judge Pearce-Higgins was a worthwhile cause and so achieving contacts, I enabled visits into two open Andrew Wells, our editor (Kent 2005). connected to events such as VE day, including a forum for local history QC, and His Honour Judge Hooper QC positive PR for Kent’s prisons became the prisons by a group of influential county Every year, staff nominate prisoners to be the Battle of Britain and, particularly, societies (of which there are over 30 focus of my year. leaders, the Kent Ambassadors. Their recognised for exceptional personal progress Gallipoli, where the Herefordshire in Herefordshire); I am pleased that Despite undeniable financial experiences of tours and unrestricted or contribution to their prison community. Regiment suffered such great losses; this communication between the societies the new university project which gained challenges, I was repeatedly impressed conversations with offenders and prison These awards were deeply appreciated – was marked with a beating of the retreat has subsequently improved. In addition, significant momentum over the year by the dedication and enthusiasm officers over lunch mean they can now often being the first time recipients had at Suvla Barracks and a special service in I organised a forum for Herefordshire A team of six wounded veterans shown by governors, officers and staff speak about the prisons from personal been praised or recognised for their abilities. the cathedral. museums and visitor attractions; this has from Walking with the Wounded passed to improve the life skills and future knowledge and, in some cases, offer High Sheriffs have privileged access The Three Choirs Festival circulates helped to concentrate views on the future through Herefordshire. The county not prospects of offenders. They were creating advice and practical help. to the prison system and there is much between the three cathedrals of Gloucester, of such attractions in the county – and only raised more than any other, but the environments in which change was The annual High Sheriff’s Awards we can all do to support this challenging Hereford and Worcester. It is the oldest will be referred to in the submission to team was accompanied by 12 ‘scantily clad’ possible – setting standards, being role allowed me to recognise and thank area of society. choir festival in the world and I was DCMS Select Committee. cheerleaders from the Miami Dolphins models, providing encouragement and individuals from organisations I very fortunate that its 300th anniversary Herefordshire is not a rich county, but which set a few pulses racing in High Town. slowly building self-esteem – all with the encountered during my year. I was pleased William Alexander fell in 2015, in Hereford. Tercentenary the charitable sector is both vibrant and My final duty was appropriately ultimate aim of reducing re-offending. to include those dedicated to prison work High Sheriff of Kent 2015-16 celebrations concluded with a dramatic important. The High Sheriff sees many poignant; it involved a small service in the concert at Buckingham Palace given by the inspirational charities at first hand and it is cathedral to remember eight young girls who Prince of Wales, President of the Festival. an unenviable task to decide which should died in the Garrick Theatre fire in Hereford In an interesting and direct link with its benefit from the grants from the High exactly 100 years earlier. Relatives of the girls Sheriff’s Fund at the end of the year. In the gathered with aging sepia photographs to event, grants went to the Hope Foundation, commemorate this tragic event. the Hereford Street Pastors and Jamie’s I look back over my year with happy Farm, which has recently set up its second memories and with particular thanks to my working farm for vulnerable children in the wife, Victoria, and to all those dedicated UK, in South Herefordshire. people who make Herefordshire such an Many of our institutions are long incomparable place. It has been an honour established such as The Royal National to serve the county. College for the Blind which hosted alumnus Lord Blunkett and a team from Any Edward Harley DL Questions. Others are evolving, for instance High Sheriff of Herefordshire 2015-16 Above: HMP Rochester: bicycle recycling repairs workshop Above: HMP Swaleside: business education class

32 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 33 lanacashire leicestershire News from and about members News from and about members

Unforgettable experiences Aspiring to inter-faith harmony

Lancashire is diverse culturally, Visits to third sector organisations When I took office in April 2015, economically and geographically, working with ex-offenders were Leicestershire was bathed in the afterglow and I wanted to involve as much of fascinating. Some, such as Jobs, Friends & of international attention surrounding the it as possible in my year. Ceremonial Houses in Blackpool, are ground-breaking re-interment of King Richard III and my and official engagements were many in their ideas. This community interest first move was to present High Sheriff’s including a visit in May by HM The company, run by a serving police officer, Awards to teams that my wife Janet and I Queen to Lancaster when we welcomed employs ex-offenders and recovering had worked with in preparing the Cathedral Her Majesty both as our Queen and addicts in the building trade. They are ceremonies. The King’s tomb in Leicester as the . In early June trained, paid full wages and supported as Cathedral and the site of his original grave our annual service and shield hanging they learn about life ‘outside’. nearby continue to attract thousands of ceremony took place in the Hall Having a named charity and trying Above: Presentation of High Sheriff’s Award to visitors from all over the world. Sgt Steve Hodgkins and employees of Jobs, where I received permission from the to raise huge amounts of money was not Friends & Houses in Blackpool The other backdrop to my year Constable of Lancaster Castle to hang for me. Instead I supported charities by was the astonishing turnaround in the my shield alongside those of my 800 visiting, raising their profile and helping fortunes of Leicester City Football Club. predecessors in the county. them to make connections. The passion, I volunteered for this it was a warm When my year began the Foxes were I visited our six prisons and secure humility and dedication of the volunteers summer’s day. As December neared I bottom of the Premier League but on units and observed the focus on reducing were ever evident, as was the pleasure at thought I might have been a bit rash so handover on 8 April 2016 they led the re-offending and preparing prisoners for having their organisation recognised by the spent some time designing my cardboard League by seven points and during my Arthur Janet by Photos release. In the wake of cuts governors High Sheriff. The RNLI, fire, special police, shelter and was thankful for it. Among year had gained an incredible 88 points Above: The High Sheriff speaking at the Jain Temple. Below left: The High Sheriff tucks in at the remain focused, optimistic and proud of search and rescue services are all volunteers several visitors over the night the least and a huge international following. Mosque Summer Fete. Below right: Navratri Stick Dance their achievements. Our largest Category working to protect us in our daily lives, welcome was Storm Desmond. Some supporters have even adopted King B prison houses a dedicated braille unit, as are those working with the most On 10 April 2015 I processed into the Richard as the team’s talisman. translating books for charities across the unfortunate in our society, and they were Council Chamber in County Hall, Preston, Leicester’s high profile and the city’s world. without exception delighted to share their proud and slightly self-conscious in my burgeoning international reputation have Each term a number of High Court experiences. This took me to some highly uniform. Two weeks ago I repeated the walk encouraged civic pride among its diverse Judges came to Preston where I joined deprived areas of Lancashire, Skelmersdale still proud and with a year’s unforgettable communities. Outside London, Leicester them in court and for dinner at their being one of the most remarkable where experiences upon which to reflect. is Britain’s most religiously diverse city, lodgings. I hosted all of them at our fabulous work with the Community Safety Throughout the year my husband Robert comprising substantial communities of home, inviting a wide range of guests Partnership reaps rewards. has accompanied me and has enjoyed it as various denominations of Christians, and having some thoroughly congenial Among December’s many carol much as I have, and I am grateful for his Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs and many evenings. Without exception they were concerts I joined a group of people support, patience and encouragement. other faiths besides; parts of the county are good company, always appreciative of from NightSafe, raising awareness of the equally diverse. Leicester is often held up being invited and curious about the role plight of the young homeless by sleeping Amanda Parker JP as a model of inter-faith harmony but not and to join the evening Iftar when the Swaminarayan temple and the Brahma and year of the High Sheriff. out in Blackburn for a night. When High Sheriff of Lancashire 2015-16 surprisingly there are tensions, not always fast was broken. We were welcomed Kumaris’ equally modern centre; we also hidden. As a trustee of the St Philip’s to other Sunni mosques (including a enjoyed excellent hospitality at the very Centre, a Christian organisation for the mosque summer fete) and to Leicester’s ornate Jain temple. We also visited Sikh, study of and engagement with other faiths, only Shia mosque and we were very Hindu and Muslim faith schools. I had already completed a postgraduate pleased to attend the formal opening I held one Judges’ Welcome Service diploma in Inter-religious Relations, so of Leicester’s only Ahmadi mosque. I in the Dominican church of Holy Cross I planned to introduce the Shrievalty to accompanied Earl Howe, Minister of and participated in numerous services in different faith groups and to help soften State at the Ministry of Defence with Leicester Cathedral, notably my Magna some of the cultural and religious divides. responsibility for community engagement, Carta Justice Service, which was well My wife Janet and I joined the when he inspected building works at attended by many representatives of Sikh Vaisakhi celebrations and I was the ‘Earl Howe’ mosque in Earl Howe other faiths. Leicestershire’s diversity is interviewed by Vaisakhi radio; I also Street, Leicester. We visited the historic enriching and colourful – but as I write made presentations in the largest Orthodox Jewish synagogue and the less this the priority for all Leicestershire’s gurdwara in the East Midlands. We formal Progressive Jewish Congregation. citizens is to paint the League blue. attended Leicester’s Central Mosque Hindus welcomed us to celebrations for Above: Outside Lancaster Castle before proceeding to the Shire Hall Photo by Denis Oates in Ramadan to mark the twentieth Ganesh, Navratri, Diwali and Holi and Gordon Arthur Right: Early rising after a night sleeping on the streets of Blackburn in my special cardboard shelter anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre we were shown round the very modern High Sheriff of Leicestershire 2015-16

34 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 35 merseyside News from and about members News from and about members

as a judge myself, albeit, at a primary school Easter Bonnet competition, can, with some justification, be described as ‘varied’. Many-faceted There were, I suppose inevitably, a couple of low points. The funeral of PC David Phillips, held in Liverpool Cathedral, was a poignant and significant event not just on Merseyside but Merseyside throughout the country. To those of us present, or to those who simply watched it on television, the overwhelming support offered by members of the By the time this article is published I will have Opposite page: public who stood in silent respect along the full entered the shadowy, twilight zone of the ‘Has The grandson length of the route taken by the cortege was the of a local mayor Beens’. Whatever it holds can’t possibly match, for aims to be only modicum of good which could be discerned intensity and interest, the year I’ve just experienced the country’s in an otherwise wholly tragic episode. There was or the one upon which my successor, Jim Davies, will youngest High also the sad loss of Sir Alan Waterworth, the Sheriff! have embarked. He will find, as did I, that the High immediate past Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside. Sheriff has remarkable and in some respects, unique, Below: A It’s a cliché, but nevertheless true, that for me convivial private access to many facets of life here on Merseyside. dinner with the the last 12 months have flown by. At my Declaration last year, I said that, for Lord Mayor of Apart from the two exceptions I have just someone born and brought up in Liverpool, and who Liverpool and mentioned, it has been a hugely enjoyable the Mayors of has never lived anywhere else, it was a huge honour Knowsley, St experience and I thank the Lord-Lieutenant, Dame and privilege to be asked to fulfil the role of High Helens, Sefton Lorna Muirhead, and those who advised her, for Sheriff and to play a part in the civic and ceremonial and Wirral giving me the opportunity to undertake the role. life of the county. Now, twelve months later, I The support of my wife, Patti, throughout the wouldn’t change a single word of that assertion. last 12 months has been unfailing. I would wish to The last year has, for me, been a constant flow record that it was a team effort and that she and I of always interesting, frequently uplifting and have wonderful joint memories to carry to what we occasionally inspirational events. It’s not necessary both hope will be our distant dotage. to dig very deeply below the surface of Merseyside to discover the good work being carried out day Robert Owen JP DL in day out in many spheres of activity including High Sheriff of Merseyside commerce and education and in the public and voluntary sectors. Among the most impressive are the many youth organisations, run by dedicated volunteers, which provide a focus, a framework and a future for countless young people, some of whom, due to strained domestic circumstances and a lack of guidance, would be at risk of going off the rails. It was, therefore, particularly pleasing to attend the National Crimebeat Awards in London where a group of young people I had nominated from a Knowsley youth club won a prize of £750 for a project providing their peer group with information and advice on ‘How to Stay Safe and not be a Victim of Crime’. The initiative is already proving to be very effective in the local community. It has been an extraordinarily busy year but this is not the occasion to go into detail about literally hundreds of engagements which have filled the diary. Suffice to say that any role which encompasses attendance at six royal visits, observing at close quarters trainee firefighters tackling a blaze, announcing parliamentary election results live on TV at 4.00 in the morning, hosting 17 visiting High Court Judges at home, and acting

36 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 37 Mid Glamorgan News from and about members News from and about members

Part of my bucket list was to support Check your route, our emergency services, so it was fascinating to leave plenty of time follow a paramedic on a night shift and also Right: Presenting Oh what a year it’s been! My Declaration at cheque to mental enlightening to travel health charity Gofal St John’s Church Porthcawl took place on a crisp, sunny day with Sir Wyn Williams, Wales’ senior in a patrol car on a Below: At a Welsh- presiding judge kindly hearing my Declaration themed evening weekend evening shift at hosting a second as High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan. This was the Court of Appeal start of a frenetic five days, with a large marquee to a busy town centre Judges’ Dinner entertain guests from my Declaration remaining in Below right: situ for a Charity Ball two days later and a Fashion the county wearing the full uniform. I explained work helped me understand why we as High Above: At the Court Attending a Show two days after that. The caterers fed and about the role of the modern-day High Sheriff and Sheriffs can provide some light entertainment in of Appeal Judges’ citizenship ceremony Dinner at the Mansion watered just over 600 people in a matter of five promoted the Mid Glamorgan Community Youth the form of a dinner at home. My husband Rob House in Cardiff days, so it was a busy start to a non-stop year. Awards scheme, giving cash awards to young people and I hosted a number of judges’ dinners at our After a career in television, I have been involved who are doing outstanding work in the community. farm and the stories told were full of humour and Below left: Jayne James (mounted, with many charities and I decided to support Wales had an equal mix of male/female High bonhomie; memorable times we will cherish and centre) with the a mental health charity called Gofal. After the Sheriffs in 2015-2016 and it was the turn of the chuckle over. mounted section of Crystal Ball and the Fashion Show, £18,000 was four female Sheriffs to co-host the Court of Appeal My royal moments have been unforgettable. South Wales Police presented to this charity and it was time to turn Judges’ Dinner at the Mansion House in Cardiff. Our day at the Buckingham Palace garden party Below: Seven of the my full attention to the job, with a citizenship Speeches to our honoured judges were well received was eventful when one of our daughters fainted eight High Sheriffs in Wales at the ceremony my first engagement. Using my car and thank you letters were in praise of the warm, as Her Majesty The Queen passed us! HRH The Legal Service at Welsh welcome. Prince of Wales visited the county three times Llandaff Cathedral in satnav instructions to Merthyr Tydfil I quickly Part of my bucket list was to support our during my year and I managed to stay upright with October 2015: Libby Evans (Gwynedd), realised I was going to be late after ending up in emergency services, so it was fascinating to follow no sign of being star-struck during those moments! After the Crystal Ball and the Jayne James (Mid Aldi supermarket car park. First lesson, check your a paramedic on a night shift and also enlightening My year has come to a close and it will be one Glamorgan), Bob Fashion Show, £18,000 was route and leave plenty of time! to travel in a patrol car on a weekend evening shift I will never forget – somehow the rest of 2016 will Redfern (West Glamorgan), Andrew As High Sheriff for just one year, I felt that it at a busy town centre. I also visited the mounted pale into insignificance as I flick through my diary Tuggey (Gwent), presented to this charity and it was time to was important to raise the profile of the Office and section of South Wales Police and hitched a ride! for 2015. Heather Stevens try to answer the much-asked question ‘What do I sat alongside High Court Judges on a range (South Glamorgan), turn my full attention to the job, with a Janet Evans you actually do?’ So as well as being asked to speak of cases from murder and child custody to clinical Mrs J A James (Clwyd) and Jamie citizenship ceremony my first engagement at various groups, I visited a number of schools in negligence. The seriousness and depth of their Mid Glamorgan 2015-16 Lewis (Dyfed)

38 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 39 northumberland News from and about members News from and about members

IF you can keep your IF you are prepared to Throwing light on head when all about you fundraise from scratch, are inquisitively asking And speak to Foundations ‘so what exactly does and Charitable trusts the High Sheriff do?’ Saying ‘Please, oh please, the North East And you can trust yourself please give us some cash’ to manage your time, And then meet triumph and Below: At the Well, they say two heads are better than one This included the reading of the Letters Patent to IF you can start at dawn disaster and treat those two launch of the Super Partnership with and when it comes to being High Sheriff I certainly mark the opening of the legal year. The procession with an eager smile, imposters just the same. Adam Lopardo found it helpful to have partners in crime – or was led by visiting High Court Judges, the city’s and without a yawn (Community Foundation), Vera should that be against crime! Circuit and District Judges, barristers and solicitors And not make your opinions If you would like to Baird (Police and My first ‘partner against crime’ was Vera Baird, and representatives of Her Majesty’s Court Service. OR thoughts your master peruse Magna Carta, Crime Commissioner, Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner The service reminds us of the long association and think up a speech then let us oblige you. Northumbria) and youngsters with with whom I formed a new Super Partnership. between the church and the law. without any warning Today, please have your own Chris Conway Four additional Super awards of £1,000 were It also happened to be National Poetry Day review, if you would like to. from Choysez given out as special district prizes to recognise and as the theme was ‘light’, and Lucy means light IF you can meet with police, A law to treat each man the (which supports young people inspirational groups in north Northumberland, in Latin, we decided to combine and be bright, by ambulance, prisons and same each one judged by 12 with an alternative mid-Northumberland, west Northumberland and providing some poetry to give insight into the life fire, without getting bogged knights true, one of 63 clauses to mainstream education), recipients south-east Northumberland. and some shared activities of the High Sheriffs of down in the official mire. that you can now view of a £750 High My second ‘partner against crime’ was Lucy Northumberland and . So with more Embrace the ethos of all … Creating it 800 years ago Sheriff's Award. Winskell, High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear with than a little nod to Rudyard Kipling I share our poem, our armed forces, those was such a breakthrough whom I’ve entertained judges, visited the police, which gives an overview of the amazing year I’ve had. dependable work horses. IF you can enjoy wining ambulance service and armed forces, and been able And then the next day spend and dining High Court to combine events including the special evensong Lucy Carroll time with our valuable Judges, and not worry about held at Newcastle Cathedral on 8 October 2015. High Sheriff of Northumberland 2015-16 community groups, etiquette over much, then again even more of And talk with confidence our wonderful troops. fun and wit; then you’ll have the common touch, IF, in front of Prince Edward, and YES be a hit. you can co-ordinate A curtsey, a handshake, and IF you can celebrate with saying your ‘Royal Highness’ all our young heroes, who while wearing your finest, are inspiring and focused Then hold your head high and sadly often unnoticed. (pause), and utter a sigh; Jumping through hoops, IF you can remain dignified and always protected or perhaps even a treat Above: Lucy while your ostrich feathered by those caring people IF you can fill every minute Caroll (left) and her partner hat is whisked away by keeping them connected. of your shrieval year against crime, a North Sea squall IF you can receive five Filling each day with fun Lucy Winskell OBE, DL, High And quickly thank the kind Remembrance Day invitations come sun or high water, Sheriff of Tyne army cadet who boldly rescued And remain diplomatic Yours will be the Counties and Wear it without a summons call. and keep good relations of Northumberland Attending one you can, ‘and Tyne and Wear’ IF you can remember, when without causing offence And—what is more— invited on a ship to dine; to or any sensations you’ll be a High Sheriff, wear flat shoes and trousers, my son, my daughter! then all will be fine IF you can fill all your As climbing up a ladder, hours with work; And  in high heels and a dress, keep your long-suffering could cause quite a stir, husband faithfully sweet Lucy Carroll in the wardroom mess. Then there has to be a perk; and Lucy Winskell

40 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 41 powys News from and about members 20-24 Park Street Genesis 5 Selby, North Yorkshire Church Lane YO84PW Heslington, York YO10 5DQ Tel: 01757 703731 Tel: 01904 717260 Fax: 01757 210358 Fax: 01904 438913

Ann Tudor, now High Sheriff of From the Powys, receives a decanter from n specialist advice to landed estates the High Sheriff n specialist advice to landed estates on leaving the magistracy n taxation services including capital taxes, serious n taxation services including capital taxes, personal taxes and VAT personal taxes and VAT n estate/trust planning and administration to the n estate/trust planning and administration n accounting and audit services to n accounting and audit services to hilarious businesses and charities n specialist business advice n specialist business advice There is no doubt that I and my wife Please contact David Dorman Lorraine have just completed a hectic and Please contact DavidRussellDormanSmith fascinating year. No High Court Judges ded@[email protected] BY APPOINTMENT BY APPOINTMENT [email protected] TO H.R.H. THE TO H.R.H. THE DUKE and no royal visits in Powys might have PRINCE OF WALES OF EDINBURGH been marginally disappointing, but there I opened the World Open International appeared from a smoke-filled Portakabin An independent Member of HATTERS HATTERS have been so many serious and thought- Draughts Competition (no laughter please) and said ‘Hello Sir, don’t you remember An independent Member of provoking moments linked to church which included teams from Barbados, me?’ I did, and have no doubt that one COUTURE HATS MADE TO ORDER independent quality Please telephoneour millinery department on 02079302421/4204 services, swearing-in ceremonies and the Ukraine and Turkmenistan. In the same day he will make a good fireman or assured professionals judiciary that there has been no time to town, in full uniform, I hung their award- policeman himself. dwell on what might have been. A morning winning eco-flag which fell off the wall. And finally, the quote of the year was in the Coroner’s Court in Brecon was Light refreshments were six bottles of wine at the Powys Young Farmers Club carol something I would not wish to repeat too for eight people... say no more! service in the Plough Chapel, Brecon. In often and has led me to great admiration for We went to three primary schools an interesting version of the Annunciation, A gift to remember the grass roots of all aspects of our judiciary. where the children watch a professional at the point where Mary expresses concern There have been lighter moments. In play. A police initiative, the children do all at the potential for alarm from Joseph due Knighton, a small town in Radnorshire, the PR, hosting and announcements. In to an unexpected pregnancy, was reassured a line-up before the beginning, they give by Archangel Gabriel, ‘Don’t worry, Mary, their orders. A boy in Llanfaes Primary I’ll sort Joseph out.’ shouted ‘If you have a child and it cries, Among others, the police, fire service TAKE IT OUT.’ We need a bit more of and YFC do impressive work for young that, perhaps. Lorraine’s reserved seat card people in Powys. has to be seen to be believed... see picture. At the other extreme, but equally Twelve-year-old Jack, although not amazing, was an event in Brangwyn named in my half-year report – the one Hall, Swansea, for the Mid and West who said ‘Don’t you feel embarrassed Wales Fire and Rescue Service Awards. walking around looking like that?’ – Well organised with loud music, strobe reappeared in the second half on a similar lighting, glitz and pomp, it put a night at Shrievalty Association diamond set badge-brooch Above: Primary school reserved seat card in hallmarked yellow and white gold and enamel. Below: Crickhowell High School, third in ‘problem boys’ training exercise run by the Oscars to shame. Approximate size as shown. Price: £1,785 Category B, National Crimebeat Awards the Fire and Rescue Service. A little figure High points for Lorraine and I were endless, but I will never forget being the returning officer for Brecon and Radnorshire at the general election and the wonderful Dedicated to Perfection

day out in London for the National BY APPOINTMENT JEWELLERS & SILVERSMITHS BY APPOINTMENT JEWELLERS & SILVERSMITHS TO HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF NORFOLK E.M. TO HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE C.B.E. Crimebeat awards in which Crickhowell Traditional Engraved, Letterpress &Thermographed High School, mentored by PC Pole and Personal, Wedding and Business Stationery PCSO Dunne, came third in Category B. Designed and Printed in Scotland What a year! H.L.BROWN ESTABLISHED 1861 Piccolo Press Ltd, 90 Harbour Street, Nairn, Scotland, IV12 4PG T. +44 (0)1667 454508 [email protected] Lt Colonel M H L 2 BARKER’S POOL, SHEFFIELD S1 1LZ create your personalised stationery online at Lewis DL Te l: 0114 272 4388 email: [email protected] www.piccolopress.co.uk High Sheriff of Powys 2015-16

42 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 43 News from and about members News from and about members

appeared in the assembly to gasps from the boys man travelling the country playing a hand in each about my sword. When the teacher introduced me of the ancient counties of England. I hadn’t played as a special guest and invited the children to guess for years but soon got back into it and gave him a who I was, ‘pirate’ was the most usual answer. good run for his money. If you can, try to get into the local press Please don’t try to outdo your predecessor in as often as possible. Local papers are good at the amount of money you raise or the size and publishing interesting pictures and articles and number of parties you hold. I have raised a modest mine have been very helpful in raising the profile amount for my charities with my opera and of what the Shrievalty can achieve. Someone even comedy nights, but as Rutland is so small I think remarked that since they hadn’t seen me in the per capita I must be up there with the best. paper the previous week they thought I had died, At my Declaration I said that I loved my country to which I replied that had I died I would have and my county and would try to serve them both been in the paper’s obituary column. to the best of my ability. I hope I have achieved I have frequently asked to go into places most this and if I have made just one person’s life a little cannot access. I have been to every prison in better then it has been worthwhile. A quote I use Leicestershire and Rutland and even saw an inmate frequently – ‘We cannot all be stars but we can try I knew. It’s always nice to see a close relative not to be clouds’ – is a really good philosophy. It is in their natural environment! One of the more not oil or money which makes the world go around, unusual trips was to a crematorium which was it is people, and you will have the opportunity to fascinating. The number of things one cannot put meet some of the most selfless of them. To those in a coffin is surprising, but the staff are always of you looking forward to your year with nervous willing to show people round to allay some of excitement, all I can say is, if you have half the fun I the stigmas surrounding our ultimate destination. have had you’ll have one of the best years of your life. Don’t be afraid to ask – they can only say no. You may also get some strange requests. One Andrew Brown of my last tasks was to play a game of crib with a 2015-16

At my Declaration I said that I loved People make the my country and my county and would world go round try to serve them both to the best of my ability. I hope I Above: Interview As my term of office draws to a close I can reflect identity. I for one will fight to keep that. have achieved this with young journalist on the great honour it has been to serve as Her My aspiration to visit every school in Rutland Opposite page: Majesty’s High Sheriff of Rutland. It has been one of was almost achieved, only missing the target by and if I have made Keeping my hand in the most wonderfully exciting, enjoyable and moving two. One of the highlights was being interviewed just one person’s life years of my life – over 250 events, the majority by the Young Journalists Association at a school in requiring court dress, and I urge those in nomination Kendrew Barracks. After a visit to one school where a little better then it to wear your court dress until you wear it out. It is I mentioned I knew the father of two children, so important we maintain our English and Welsh their father came home to two very excited has been worthwhile traditions; prancing about the streets of Rutland in offspring who, when asked what all the fuss was tights in the 21st century may seem bizarre, but if about, said, ‘Dad, someone really famous knows we lose these traditions we lose part of our national you.’ I usually hid in the staff room and then

44 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 45 shropshire News from and about members News from and about members

Most counties have their Legal Services at the start of the legal year; in Shropshire we hold them at the end of the shrieval year. In most counties outgoing High Sheriffs give a talk at the Declaration ceremonies of their successors but in Shropshire new High Sheriffs give the address on that occasion, and then, as outgoing Sheriffs, reflect on their year at the Legal Services. It does make the Legal Service a more personal event. My father was a clergyman and I happily whiled away many youthful hours playing pulpit cricket while he was preaching. It was strange for the roles to be reversed and for me to be in the pulpit. He seemed to be paying attention but I found out later that he couldn’t hear me because his hearing aid wasn’t working. It was lovely that my aged parents were able to be there as they probably won’t make it to Shropshire again and they much enjoyed seeing me process with my sister, a Circuit Judge in Birmingham. We were fortunate enough to have a good turnout of the county’s judges and magistracy, including some senior judiciary who have made their homes in the area, and the Queen’s Remembrancer came up from London. A few ‘big wigs’ do add to the theatre and sense of occasion. The stall holders and shoppers looked on admiringly – at least I think they were admiring – as we threaded our way from the castle through the Ludlow Sunday market to St Laurence’s Church. Three days out of office we attended the installation of Bill Jackson as the new High Sheriff Back to earth with a bump of Herefordshire. There was reserved parking for VIPs. ‘Are you VIPs?’; ‘Of course’; ‘Well, you’re not My surprise at finding my wife Annabel and good works in his county but if he does he should Above: Edward on the list.’ Back to earth with a bump. Harley (Herefordshire), myself on the cover of The High Sheriff last summer surely be nominated. I understand he lives in David and Annabel was nothing compared to Annabel’s. I had failed to Gloucestershire. Stacey, Jonnie Turpie David Stacey mention that I had sent in a photo of the two of us The charity I’ve supported during my year has (), Janet Bell Smith High Sheriff of Shropshire 2015-16 in wet suits taken shortly after we had completed been Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin. They (Warwickshire) the Severn Mile Swim. I hadn’t mentioned it because are independent of Age UK, whose reputation and Sir Anthony Winnington Bt I thought that, in the unlikely event of the image was damaged by the EON electricity supply (Worcestershire) being used at all, it would be the size of a postage scandal. While one can’t condone what Age UK stamp and we’d all have a bit of a laugh. With did, one can understand the temptation, but the Opposite page: The Shropshire Legal hindsight that was an error, but after a couple of consequence is that they’ve made it more difficult Service in Ludlow on nights sleeping on the sofa I was forgiven. It was for local Age UK branches to fundraise. The story 6 March 2016 not a flattering photo but it was widely agreed that also diverted attention away from the excellent I came out of it the worst (and in answer to your work that Age UK does providing information, question, Richard in Shrewsbury – no I am not researching issues and campaigning. I will continue transitioning). For this edition I am only submitting to retain an interest in these issues and, with pictures of us with clothes on. dementia in the family, am encouraged by some I know the Sheriff’s uniform doesn’t really of the new approaches that are being researched suit me either. Did I read somewhere that it was for the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Having watched designed as court dress by Prince Albert? That Angela Rippon’s TV programme How to Stay seems unlikely because it was clearly inspired with Young, I know what to ask for when my children Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen in mind and he wasn’t ask me what I want for Christmas – ‘a pint of your alive then. I don’t know whether Laurence does youthful blood’.

46 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 47 surrey tyne and wear News from and about members News from and about members

High Sheriff at high speed

It has been a huge privilege to be place on 2 October at Holy Trinity Church linked so closely with all the law and in Guildford. We processed from the order organisations in Surrey. Clearly Guildhall, up the High Street, to the church this area links with the original role of with trumpeters heralding us. I was very the High Sheriff and I have appreciated pleased to have my local primary school the opportunity to visit prisons, courts, singing at the service and to base the service the police, probation and other support around my theme for the year: supporting agencies. I went out with the Surrey rehabilitation of offenders, families and Police in an unmarked car and became young people. I subsequently gave a involved in a 140mph chase up the A3 dinner for all the Surrey judges and senior to Wimbledon looking for a suspected magistracy, using the Clink Charity outside burglar, whom we found. We followed events service. Two ex-prisoners working for Above: Leatherhead Youth Project – our suspect into a side road where his the Clink spoke about their lives and the presentation of the High Sheriff’s Youth Award certificate for the Girls Blazes evening path was blocked so my police driver had support and training they had received. to do the arrest alone, but we knew that I have visited 20 of the projects backup from the Met was only a minute supported by the High Sheriff’s Youth behind. I had a front row seat in real Awards in Surrey this year. This small cops and robbers! The whole experience charity offers grants to projects for young demonstrated great team work and some people aged 9-18 and is aimed at making of the difficulties presented, since I Surrey safer, so support is concentrated on had not understood that the two police areas of deprivation and need. Although forces worked on different systems. The Surrey has much wealth it also has Joint ventures in the North East prisoner was taken back to Staines Police pockets of deprivation hidden within Station and I was subsequently told that affluent areas. The projects supported Like police officers, fire fighters seem face very challenging circumstances at an Above: Lucy Winskell with the young fire he was interviewed for offences in Surrey, included help for youth clubs, providing to be getting younger! The photograph I early stage of their lives. I have been moved fighters of Tyne and Wear Fire Authority collected by Kent for seven suspected mobile classrooms, and sporting and Above: Opening Surrey and Sussex have submitted with this article shows the by the determination, dedication and burglaries and there was a out for arts activities. Participation by the High Care Showcase fantastic young fire fighters at Tyne and warmth of so many of these volunteers, his arrest in Croydon. Sheriff is not a requirement at a visit but Wear Fire and Rescue who extinguished and the fantastic ways in which these challenging mental health issues, and the One of the highlights of my year was is often encouraged: this led to my trying flames engulfing a large house with some young people are learning to play such a courage they showed in performing on the annual Judicial Service which took out one of the paddle boards we paid for at Godalming Canoe Club and, yes, you speed and vigour during the training meaningful part in their communities. stage in front of such a large audience was guessed it – I fell into the river! demonstrations on the night of the Fire Supported by a very able fundraising remarkable, as was the fact that they had We were particularly lucky to have so Authority’s Prize Giving. The ‘real’ fire team around me, including a number of written their own music and lyrics. many royal visits and I’ve met most of the fighters who received awards from me former High Sheriffs, we raised £46,000 I’m sure that in common with all senior members of the Royal Family. Surrey were a little older! to add to the fund, and this allowed other High Sheriffs who have come to the would not function well as a community That particular event highlighted to me to distribute 62 awards to these end of their term, my husband John and without its volunteers and I am delighted me how much I have enjoyed meeting organisations – a record! I shook the I will look back on this year as one of the to have visited many inspiring voluntary and working with the young people of hands of over 120 young people, and I most rewarding and interesting times of and charitable organisations, as well as Tyne and Wear. In the winter edition, didn’t stop smiling all evening. A fantastic our lives. We have been overwhelmed by some great schools including special I talked about the strong sense of way to end an exhilarating year. support from so many and have especially schools. Visiting Surrey University was community in this county, and the last six Music has featured prominently enjoyed joining forces with Lucy Carroll, a highlight, particularly to understand months have simply served to reinforce in the course of the year – from the High Sheriff of Northumberland, on something of its leading research projects that sense of community. beautiful choirs of York Minster, Durham many ventures – including our attempt such as the 5G Innovation Centre (mobile No better example can be given than Cathedral and St Nicholas’s Cathedral in at poetry on National Poetry Day which and wireless communications research) and the evening of the Tyne and Wear High Newcastle upon Tyne when we attended coincided with our Letters Patent event. Surrey Satellites (weather forecasting and Sheriff’s Awards Ceremony. Some years the various legal services in the North I should like to thank everyone who disaster monitoring). ago, an endowment fund was established East, to marching military bands, and to has supported me over the last year – Surrey is a great county to live in. by two of my predecessors and every year my favourite – listening to voices of the John and I have appreciated it very much. these funds are used to support volunteer- group that won second prize at the Award Elizabeth Kennedy led groups in the county working with Ceremony. This was a group of young Lucy Winskell OBE DL Above: Presentation of the High Sheriff’s Youth Award certificate to Brockham Youth Café High Sheriff of Surrey 2015-16 children and young people, many of whom people endeavouring to overcome some High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear 2015-16

48 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 49 warwickshire west midlands News from and about members News from and about members

I gained much, but not weight Wonderful West Midlands

I felt a bit overwhelmed when starting Well, my shrieval year has concluded! to draft this article for The High Sheriff Kieran McGerty, After spending the first six months learning youth worker, following the end of my year as High Chris White, the royal, mayoral and judicial protocols I Sheriff of Warwickshire, as there are far too MP for Warwick began to relax into the role. My apprentice many examples of the wonderful times I and Leamington PA Jimi and my partner Marian equally got and the High had to list them all, so I have limited my Sheriff with to know the ropes and the diary became comments to a few general observations. representatives of manageable and the changing arrangements The first two things that sprang to SAFE Youth Club all began to go smoothly. mind were totally personal achievements: My focus on arts, creativity and young First, I have managed not to put on people enabled me to support a wide any weight throughout this gastronomic range of talent and organisations. Our year – which, I can assure you, was a great garden party was a great success with feat bearing in mind everyone’s generous our seven mayors nominating young hospitality. And second, thanks to a people for awards in recognition of their lovely official outfit designed by the Royal voluntary contributions. It was supported With young filmmakers and Media Eye Films Shakespeare Company, which I have worn by the public and private sector with at least three times a week, I have saved a Birmingham City Council launching its fortune on my clothes wardrobe! Creative Future strategy and Selfridges Prince is patron. Also in attendance was which I am hugely grateful. I ran a young On a more serious note, when I seeking to support new talent. United Nations Special Ambassador people’s 10-second film competition in look back over the year I am struck by This public/private creative theme Wilfried Lemke. Later in the year we conjunction with the Year of Arts & Young the fantastic opportunity I was given continued over my year as I met and were honoured to welcome Her Majesty People – YAY – and Grand Central where through being not ‘Janet Bell Smith’ but celebrated youth and creativity across The Queen to open the redeveloped the films were screened on the immense the ‘High Sheriff’. I have been amazed the county from Coventry in the south New Street Station incorporating Grand media eyes! how warm and welcoming people were to Wolverhampton in the north. A Central shopping area. A very special day I was pleased to award Nansen Primary all over the county even though they memorable day was when HRH the Duke for the county. School the Selfridges Sustainability didn’t know me at all. The most striking of Cambridge travelled by helicopter I decided to end the year with an Globe Award for winning a competition thing about so many of the people I to central Birmingham. Prince William exhibition of young people’s work in the promoting recycling. Adam Hockney, unveiled commemorative stones recalling Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and general manager of Selfridges, presented also how they relate to the community the valiant deeds of ten winners of the requested arts and creative organisations to the award to the teachers and children. I The amount of time and effort contributed they serve, often in very difficult Victoria Cross who fell in the Second nominate outstanding young people who also arranged to visit the school and give in the name of charity and volunteering – circumstances. World War. Later we travelled to east have achieved beyond their expectations. an assembly the following week. It was a The grand finale to the year had to Birmingham where the predominantly It was a wonderful night and we made great occasion followed by a Q&A session without fuss or publicity and with no expectation be the National Crimebeat Awards held in Muslim community was hosting a 11 awards including the Court Award where the first question from a young boy of any personal return – is exceptional London in March at which Warwickshire Football for Peace event of which the presented by the Recorder of Birmingham was: ‘Can I be a High Sheriff?’ To which of were joint winners. I was so proud to be His Honour Judge Melbourne Inman QC course I replied ‘Yes – if you work hard’. A met is their unstinting desire to help led to funding from two new sources. there to see three young men, who had to Dean Partridge for his courage. It was few questions later a young British Asian others. The amount of time and effort The position of High Sheriff gives one never spoken in public before, get up and Below: Nansen School, recipient of the High also an opportunity for guests to donate to girl asked: ‘Can girls be Sheriffs?’ I said Sheriff’s Award. Below right: HM The Queen contributed in the name of charity and a wonderful opportunity to highlight give a presentation, without notes, to an opens Grand Central the Koestler and John Feeney charities for ‘yes’ and pointed out that of the last four volunteering – without fuss or publicity numerous deserving causes. audience of nearly a hundred people. West Midlands Sheriffs, two were women. and with no expectation of any personal During this year my respect for the I have only had a couple of Now one last question please – a young return – is exceptional. I was thrilled to police, other emergency services and the disappointments during the year: first, that girl popped her hand in the air and asked: receive an email recently from one of the prison service has dramatically increased. as a female High Sheriff I was not allowed ‘Sir, what is it like to wear tights?’ An many charities based in Warwickshire, I feel we hear and read far too much to carry a sword at any event and second, abiding memory of a wonderful year. which said ‘it is a wonderful feeling negative press about them but my year that I did not buy a warmer pair of shoes! when people like yourself positively gave me a deeper understanding of the Finally, I would say to any incoming Jonnie Turpie MBE recognise the work we do, it somehow complexity of their role, and the barriers High Sheriff – Do make the most of it, it High Sheriff of the West Midlands 2015-16 makes it all worthwhile.’ He went on and challenges they have to overcome is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. to explain that the raising of awareness to deliver a far safer environment for us • See the High Sheriff’s blog which of his organisation by the Shrievalty to live in. It’s not just their dealing with Janet Bell Smith JP is a unique record of the year: was of real benefit to its profile and had crime prevention and emergencies: it is High Sheriff of Warwickshire 2015-16 https://highsheriffwm15.uk

50 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 51 west sussex west yorkshire News from and about members News from and about members

Discovering hidden gems

The second half of my shrieval year First we went to the little-known outpost method that was developed in the early continued to be very busy and included of GCHQ near Scarborough which has 1800s. Together with Charlie Forbes many memorable experiences. One of operated in that location for over 100 Adam, High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, the great pleasures of the year has been years. They explained the important and his wife Ros, my wife Heather and the friendships forged between the work they do in the areas of counter- I were part of a group which visited four Yorkshire High Sheriffs and their terrorism and cybercrime, as well as a forced rhubarb growing shed and wives. In addition to attending and addressing other issues including child listened to an explanation of the growing processing at the various legal services sexual exploitation, people trafficking technique from a third-generation in the counties, we have visited several and smuggling. Later we visited RAF rhubarb farmer. The rhubarb plants places together. These included the Police Fylingdales which was the site of the spend two years outside and are moved National Treatment Centre in Harrogate, giant ‘golf balls’, once a prominent sight into heated sheds in November and which is a rehabilitation facility for on the North Yorkshire landscape and kept in complete darkness until they are injured police officers; the-state-of-the-art now replaced by a single giant pyramid harvested by candlelight during February Police Training Centre near Wakefield structure. It forms part of the worldwide and March. where we were shown the range of chain of ballistic missile early-warning The shrieval year flew by, as I knew facilities, including firearms training, sensors and their radars provide early it would, but it has provided so many driver training and riot control; and a warning of a missile attack. They are experiences that will stay with me forever. number of joint visits to prisons. also engaged in space surveillance, The eight of us spent a day in Hull, monitoring the movements of the tens Ed Anderson first visiting the regional offices of of thousands of items orbiting in space, High Sheriff of West Yorkshire 2015-16 Inspiration from tragedy the Border Force where we gained an from objects a few inches long through insight into the important work of this to the international space station which government agency. This was followed is the size of two football pitches. Below left: Ed and Heather Anderson visit by an afternoon sail on the Humber in One of the great privileges of being Oldroyds Rhubarb Farm, Carlton, Wakefield It has been a year of joy, sorrow and seemed, and still seems, in slow motion, white traffic lines along the tarmac of the the sailing boat owned by the charity High Sheriff is the opportunity to Below: Yorkshire High Sheriffs and wives privilege and one of the joys of being I remember that something appeared A27. Strangely surreal, yet oh so active. Cat Zero which is led by Jim Dick, High discover hidden gems in the county. at RAF Fylingdales: Jim Dick (East Riding), High Sheriff has been to recognise, drastically wrong and as the inevitable I watched them box up some remains Sheriff of the East Riding. The Wakefield area is the home of the Christine Dick, John Holt (South Yorkshire), encourage and reward the many examples happened, nothing could have prepared and as the box was carried to the We also spent a day visiting two ‘rhubarb triangle’, a nine-square-mile Ros Forbes Adam, Ed Anderson (West Yorkshire), Lynn Holt, Heather Anderson, of community spirit in West Sussex. The any of us for the dreadful sight of that mortuary van to go to Brighton everyone organisations in North Yorkshire that area which is famous for the forced Charlie Forbes Adam (North Yorkshire), Station Shoreham air show crash was not an event horrific fireball and the gradual, ghastly, stopped work to line the route in respect. work tirelessly to help keep us all safe. growing of rhubarb, a cultivation Commander Wing Commander Dave Keighley that I had expected to have to face during realisation of all that this was going to This happened each time. For a box of my year in office, but it exemplifies mean to so many. pieces. And during all this, local ladies brilliantly such a spirit. For the spectators, the rest of the delivered cakes and Marks and Spencer I was attending the air show that day afternoon was also in slow motion. Not and Tesco donated socks and food. There last August as a guest of the Royal Air so for the emergency services who were was a lovely moment too when some Force Association for which the show magnificent in the face of appalling horror. children gave one of the police search has been its main fundraiser. It was a That terrible week in the midst of teams a box of Cadbury Heroes. beautiful clear summer’s day – a day truly torrential rain – would the torture So, from this tragedy a community to enjoy and be happy. I had taken the never end? – I visited the crash site on had come together. The fund – managed salute from the magnificent RAF Falcon the A27 bridge with the Lord-Lieutenant by the Sussex Community Foundation Parachute Display Team that morning. and the Chief Constable. And tragedy – has topped £190,000, with £90,000 During lunch, I excused myself to see the turned remarkably to inspiration. The already paid out so far to help the Hawker Hunter do its spectacular pass police officers patiently shaking the trees bereaved families. There continues to be along the runway and begin the climb and bushes for, well, frankly, bits as help, care and protection for the most for its roll. I remember being excited and small as fingernails. The volunteers on vulnerable for the good of all. Something moved by its grace but concerned by the the catering truck. St John Ambulance – I think that all High Sheriffs are proud seemingly low altitude that initiated the again all volunteers working twelve hour to represent. manoeuvre. I must mention, at this point, shifts. The white-coated men and women that I have a Private Pilot’s Licence and cataloguing all the body parts at filing Denise Patterson knew this particular aircraft well. In what cabinets and desks standing upon the High Sheriff of West Sussex 2015-16

52 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 53 the high SHERIFFS’ the high SHERIFFS’ association association

HIGH SHERIFFS OF ENGLAND NEW MEMBERS NOMINATION OF HIGH SHERIFFS OF ENGLAND and WALES FOR 2016-17 The Association welcomes the following as new nembers County 2017-18 2018-19 England Bedfordshire V B Tailor Esq DL A J G Polhill Esq Bedfordshire C E S Whitbread Esq Name County Year of Office Mrs S P Scrope DL G E Barker Esq Berkshire Mrs V J Fishburn Mrs N Alberry DL Wiltshire 2018 Buckinghamshire M G Clare Esq Professor R S Farwell CBE Buckinghamshire The Hon Mrs C R Soames DL Mrs S C Balsom Dyfed 2017 Cambridgeshire R F A Pemberton Esq Dr A C Harter Cambridgeshire Sir David Arculus G E Barker Esq Berkshire 2018 Cheshire Mrs S A M Callander Beckett Mrs A J Redmond MBE Cheshire Mrs K H Cowell OBE DL S F M Berry Esq Cumbria 2018 City of Bristol A R E Brown Esq R G Opie Esq City of Bristol Ms H M Wilde B R H Burrough Esq Essex 2018 Cumbria A G M Wannop Esq S F M Berry Esq Mrs J Hartley S M Davies Esq Dyfed 2018 Derbyshire Mrs A H Hall Mrs L B Palmer Deaths Cumbria The Revd T R Lee Dr N J England DL Isle of Wight 2018 Devon Mrs H Lindsay-Fynn Mrs G T Phillips The Association has Derbyshire Mrs E J Fothergill CBE Mrs P J Gee DL Staffordshire 2018 Dorset S J Young Esq MC JP DL Mrs J A Swift DL learned with regret Devon Mrs A M Gilbert H M Gilbert Esq West Glamorgan 2018 Durham Mrs C P Peacock Dr S M Cronin of the deaths of the Dorset Sir Philip Williams Bt JP DL East Riding of Yorkshire Mrs G E Drewry Mrs D J Rosenberg Mrs A H Hall Derbyshire 2017 following former High Durham G C J Salvin Esq East Sussex Mrs M J Chowen Major General J D Moore-Bick CBE DL S A D Hall Esq MBE Essex 2017 Sheriffs and members: East Riding of Yorkshire T G Martin Esq Lady Hanmer Clwyd 2018 Essex S A D Hall Esq MBE B R H Burrough Esq East Sussex M J Foster Esq DL Dr A C Harter Cambridgeshire 2018 Gloucestershire Lt Colonel A J Tabor JP C Martell Esq S B J Z De Ferranti Esq Essex Mrs L J Rolfe JP Mrs S R Harvey Hertfordshire 2018 Greater London W J Furber Esq C A E Spicer Esq Gloucestershire The Rt Hon the Countess Bathurst T N Hone Esq DL Herefordshire 2018 Hampshire The Hon Mrs M R Montagu-Scott M E Thistlethwayte Esq Date of death: 15/10/2015 Greater London Sir Nigel Knowles Dr J L Hudson OBE DL West Midlands 2017 Herefordshire The Revd the Lady Lisvane T N Hone Esq DL Age: 88 Greater Manchester The Lady Smith of Leigh DL S Ingram Esq South Yorkshire 2018 Hertfordshire W A Hobhouse Esq Mrs S R Harvey County: Cheshire Hampshire T H Floyd Esq Isle of Wight B M A S Rouse Esq Dr N J England DL C R Jackson Esq MBE DL West Yorkshire 2018 Year of office: 1988 Herefordshire W J Jackson Esq Mrs M S Jarron Rutland 2018 Kent G E Jessel Esq DL The Hon N J Boscawen Hertfordshire S H Stefanou Esq OBE DL B C Lakin Esq South Glamorgan 2018 Leicestershire T P Maxted Esq Mrs D Thompson Isle of Wight R V Courage Esq MBE C J C Legard Esq North Yorkshire 2018 Lincolnshire A S Clark Esq DL I H Walter Esq J A C Godfrey Esq CBE Norfolk A J S Bagge Esq C J Watt Esq Kent Mrs K F Smallwood Mrs S E L Linnard Gwent 2018 Date of death: 01/12/2015 Northamptonshire R Fordham Esq J S Watson Esq Lancashire J M Barnett Esq MBE DL The Revd the Lady Lisvane Herefordshire 2017 Age: 67 Leicestershire Professor S Sharma Northumberland J R Dickinson Esq M W Orde Esq C Martell Esq Gloucestershire 2018 County: Lincolnshire North Yorkshire S M Wrightson Esq C J C Legard Esq Lincolnshire Mrs J G A Hughes DL Major General J D Moore-Bick CBE DL east Sussex 2018 Nottinghamshire Colonel D R Sneath TD DL N R B Ebbs Esq Year of office: 2010 Merseyside J C M Davies Esq OBE DL R S Napier Esq CBE Surrey 2018 Oxfordshire Miss J E Cranston R Venables Esq Norfolk Major General Sir William Cubitt KCVO CBE Mrs C S Nicholls DL West Sussex 2018 Rutland C L Mitchell Esq Mrs M S Jarron Northamptonshire Mrs C C Brocklehurst R G Opie Esq City of Bristol 2018 Wing Cmdr L F Ratcliff Shropshire C E Lillis Esq R M Swire Esq DL Northumberland W Browne-Swinburne Esq M W Orde Esq Northumberland 2018 DSO DFC* AFC AE North Yorkshire J W Furness Esq Somerset R S Hickmet Esq D A S Burn Esq Mrs L B Palmer Derbyshire 2018 Date of death: 01/04/2016 South Yorkshire D Grey Esq MBE S Ingram Esq Nottinghamshire Mrs J L Naake R F A Pemberton Esq Cambridgeshire 2017 Staffordshire H D S Scott-Moncrieff Esq DL Mrs P J Gee DL Age: 96 Oxfordshire Mrs S J Taylor Mrs G T Phillips Devon 2018 Suffolk G T C Probert Esq G M W Vestey Esq County: Essex Rutland Dr S H Furness A J G Polhill Esq Bedfordshire 2018 Surrey N J S Wood-Dow Esq DL R S Napier Esq CBE Year of office: 1988 Shropshire Mrs C M Holmes JP D R Price Esq Powys 2018 Tyne and Wear Lt General R V Brims CB CBE DSO DL P M Callaghan Esq Somerset E W G Bayntun-Coward Esq G T C Probert Esq Suffolk 2017 Warwickshire M E T Davies Esq Mrs C A I Sawdon South Yorkshire Dr J MacDonald C B L L Roberts Esq Worcestershire 2018 West Midlands Dr J L Hudson OBE DL C T Loughran Esq Dr W J St E-G Rhys Staffordshire Colonel D L Leigh TD DL Mrs D J Rosenberg East Riding of Yorkshire 2018 West Sussex The Lady Emma Barnard Mrs C S Nicholls DL Date of death: 09/06/2016 Suffolk W B Kendall Esq DL Mrs C A I Sawdon Warwickshire 2018 West Yorkshire Dr T G Bramall CBE C R Jackson Esq MBE DL Age: 90 Surrey R Whittington Esq C A E Spicer Esq Greater London 2018 Wiltshire The Lady Marland Mrs N Alberry DL Tyne and Wear J D Mowbray Esq OBE Mrs J A Swift DL Dorset 2018 County: Dyfed Worcestershire S A Betts Esq C B L L Roberts Esq Warwickshire R M D Samuda Esq R M Swire Esq DL Shropshire 2018 Year of office: 1979 West Midlands Dr K G Bradshaw DL M E Thistlethwayte Esq Hampshire 2018 *Note: Names for nominees in Cornwall, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside West Sussex D M Spofforth Esq OBE Mrs D Thompson Leicestershire 2018 are only published shortly before the nominated High Sheriff assumes Office. J L Wood Esq JP DL West Yorkshire C J Brown Esq R Venables Esq Oxfordshire 2018 Date of death: 14/03/2016 Wiltshire D K Hempleman-Adams Esq LVO OBE I H Walter Esq Lincolnshire 2018 Worcestershire Sir Nicholas Lechmere Bt J S Watson Esq Northamptonshire 2018 Age: 80 C J Watt Esq Norfolk 2018 NOMINATION OF HIGH SHERIFFS OF WALES County: Hertfordshire Wales Year of office: 1988 Clwyd J P O'Toole Esq DL County 2017-18 2018-19 Dyfed Professor M Hughes DL Clwyd Mrs C H G Howard Lady Hanmer Gwent A J Clay Esq Dyfed Mrs S C Balsom S M Davies Esq Gwynedd Dr P G Harlech Jones Gwent J K L Thomas Esq JP Mrs S E L Linnard Mid Glamorgan G J George Esq Gwynedd Professor S Hope OBE D G Morgan Esq Powys Mrs A Tudor JP Mid Glamorgan D J Davies Esq JP J H Wall Esq South Glamorgan Professor J D Williams OBE Powys Mrs S E Thompson D R Price Esq West Glamorgan Professor D M Mead OBE South Glamorgan G C Lloyd Esq B C Lakin Esq West Glamorgan Mrs R L Fleet JP H M Gilbert Esq Only honours, awards and appointments emanating from the Crown and the office of DL have been included. Only honours, awards and appointments emanating from the Crown and the office of DL have been included.

54 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 55 Association Regalia Association Regalia and Publications and Publications

high sheriff’s Award Certificate

The High Sheriff’s Award Certificate was which you insert the name of the recipient, introduced by the Association in 1992 to the date details and then your signature. meet the request of High Sheriffs who wished for some means of recognising and Style 2 allows you, when placing your rewarding the many ‘unsung heroes’ they order, to supply the name of the recipient and, Miniature Badge encountered in their county during their if known, the date on which the certificate for High Sheriff year of office. The High Sheriff’s Award will be presented. All these details are then and Spouse Certificate over the years has provided printed on the certificate in an attractive script Chaplain’s or Gilt for serving and retired High Sheriffs with a popular and practical before they are supplied to you. Cadet’s Badge High Sheriffs, silver for High method of achieving this goal. Single £27.00, 2+ £20.00 each Sheriff’s spouses/escorts The price for each certificate, which (2 for preaching scarves) £14.50 each 15mm x 25mm The certificate can be provided in two includes the cost of postage and different styles: packing, is: Style 1 comes with the name of your Enamel and county already printed on it and blanks in Style 1: £4.00, Style 2: £5.00 The High Sheriff’s gilt cufflinks Badge available with a chain The Lady High (for wearing round or T-Bar fitting. Each Sheriff’s Badge the neck) £185.00 pair comes in its own £185.00 41mm x 74mm 45mm x 74mm presentation box Crown Court Award Certificate £38

Not all counties have their own customised Style 2 lets the High Sheriff, at the Crown Court Award Certificate for the time of placing an order, supply the name High Sheriff to present or to send to the of the recipient; the name of the Judge recipient of a Crown Court Award. With or Recorder; and, if known, the date on this in mind, the Association has designed which the certificate will be presented. such a certificate in two different styles All these details are then printed on the Ladies Pure High Sheriff’s which can be bought by High Sheriffs. certificate in an attractive script. Silk Scarf Car Pennant Navy blue, maroon or Complete with mast £45.00 Style 1 comes with the name of the county The price for each certificate, which green. 14oz dye printed – already printed and blank spaces provided includes the cost of postage and pure silk twill with multiple for the High Sheriff in which to enter the packing, is: copies of the Association’s High Sheriff’s name of the recipient, the name of the Judge, badge overprinted in March or Recorder; and the date of presentation. Style 1: £4.00, Style 2: £5.00 Tie (Navy blue, green gold. Size 140cm x A CD of the March or maroon in pure silk) 30cm (56” x 113/4”) (playing time approximately £32.00 £20.00 8½ minutes) £7.00

Publications

Guide to the Office of High Sheriff All prices are inclusive of postage and packing. This 27-page guide, Cheques etc. payable to ‘The High Sheriffs’ Association of England and Wales’ published in 2006, outlines the key A Guide to the Office Remittances with order please, to: of elements of the role The Secretary High Sheriff of High Sheriff in the The High Sheriffs’Association 21st century and Back issues A History in Notes on the Office Heritage House, PO Box 21 gives practical advice of the Association Commemoration of High Sheriff Baldock, Herts SG7 5SH to those preparing magazine The of The Sheriff’s (per pack of 50

Produced and published by to take Office High Sheriff Millennium (1992) folded cards) Tel: 01462-896688 Fax: 01462-896677 E-mail: [email protected] The High Sheriffs’ Association of England & Wales £2.00 £2.00 £1.00 £7.50

56 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 The Association reserves the right to vary prices at any time. The Association reserves the right to vary prices at any time. Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 57 Questions The Red Mass 2014 The Editor welcomes articles and news and Answers stories from High Sheriffs concerning their year in office. Are we Sheriffs or High Sheriffs? I often see historical Qreferences to sheriffs, eg in Magna Carta and well into The next edition of The High Sheriff the 20th century. will be published in December 2016. The adjective ‘high’ has been used for centuries in relation Ato the sheriffs of counties, to distinguish them from City Closing date for receipt of editorial items sheriffs and to indicate that they are the Sovereign’s sheriffs. will be Friday 23 September 2016 Curiously it was only under the Local Government Act 1972 that the term High Sheriff was given the royal seal of approval. Section Items for inclusion should be sent to: 219 (1) decreed that ‘Sheriffs appointed for a county or Greater London shall be known as high sheriffs, and any reference in The Editor, The High Sheriff magazine any enactment or instrument to a sheriff shall be construed c/o Hall-McCartney Ltd, accordingly in relation to sheriffs for a county or Greater London’. The Act took effect at midnight on 1 April 1974 so the PO Box 21 Baldock, Herts SG7 5SH superstitious need not worry that its provisions were an illusion. Email: [email protected] Colloquially the word ‘sheriff’ is often used of high sheriffs.

Can High Sheriffs’ Chaplains be of any seniority in Qtheir religious denominations? To advertise in The High Sheriff

Yes they can. It is probably best for both parties that the High please contact Geoff Connelly ASheriff appoints a person he or she knows well – the local Tel: 01462 896688 incumbent or licensed lay minister, or a close relation or friend. Geographical convenience should be a consideration. Chaplains Email: [email protected] can be of any denomination or faith appropriate to the High Sheriff. www.hall-mccartney.co.uk

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58 High Sheriff | Summer 2016 Summer 2016 | High Sheriff 59