TYNE AND WEAR News from and about members Cadets to the rescue THE COUNTY of Tyne and Wear takes Legion to lay a wreath at Whitley Bay to its name from two magnificent rivers commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the and therefore ports, docks, rivers and the Battle of Britain, again I was grateful to sea dominate the landscape and played a the Sea Cadets for their hearty singing (the prominent part in my first six months as Salvation Army having failed to turn up High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear. and leaving me somewhat exposed as lead Just a few days after my Declaration, soprano). Britain’s largest warship and helicopter On the Gateshead side of the river carrier HMS Ocean sailed into the port of Tyne, the new Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne Top: Hard at work Sunderland to be awarded the Freedom of and Wear, Mrs Sue Winfield (High Sheriff Above: High Sheriff (second from left): 'What on the City by Sunderland City Council. I was in 2010/11) commissioned a new pontoon earth are we supposed to do?' fascinated by the capability demonstration; for the Marine Cadets; I commissioned learnt a great deal about the role of the two new sailing boats, and the Gateshead’s by the sense of community in our county Royal Navy in keeping our nation safe; Mayor was allocated a rowing boat. Again and the fabulous work undertaken by so marched to the Royal Marines Band; the young cadets were impressive and I many volunteers who are supporting our enjoyed the Salute at dusk (but I wished accepted their invitation to return to their children and young people, many of whom I worn some thermals!); dined with the open day and took part in rowing, sailing face the most challenging circumstances in Captain and thoroughly enjoyed learning and other water sports. It was very cold the early stages of their lives. While I have more about the work of the Sea Cadets. It and wet; the accompanying photographs enjoyed every minute of the ceremonial was a shock to the system once HMS Ocean were taken by another former High Sheriff side of the role, attending services in sailed out of the port to no longer be saluted of Tyne and Wear, Nigel Westwood, who Durham and Newcastle Cathedrals, various and called Ma’am every few minutes! shouted encouragement from dry land. civic events, celebrating Magna Carta, HM A little further south on the coast, The young cadets are typical of the The Queen’s long reign, Armed Forces while a guest of South Tyneside Council large number of young people I have met Day, the Battle of Britain and the huge celebrating Armed Forces Day at South in the last six months who are members range of High Sheriff's activities, it is the Shields, a squall from the North Sea of the voluntary groups which have been work with these groups that proves the whisked off my High Sheriff's hat and financially supported by the Tyne and Wear most rewarding. I am thoroughly looking ostrich feathers; a fleet-of-foot army cadet High Sheriff's Fund, and about which forward to the next six months. dashed off to rescue it, with success I’m my predecessor Ruth Thompson wrote pleased to say. And a little further north on so eloquently in the last edition of this Lucy Winskell, OBE DL the coast, when invited by the Royal British magazine. Like Ruth, I have been touched High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear 2015-16 Winter 2015 | High Sheriff 39.