OV High Sheriff

Many congratulations to OV Ian Smith (Cr 73-78 and Old Hawfordian) for his well-deserved appointment as High Sheriff of Worcestershire this month.

Ian explains further:

“I was appointed as High Sheriff of Worcestershire at a ceremony on Thursday 3rd April at the Shirehall in Worcester attended by the Lord-Lieutenant, Her Ladyship Mrs Justice Tipples President of the Midlands Bench, the Bishop, members of the Judiciary, various distinguished guests and members of my family.

“There have been High Sheriffs for at least 1,000 years and it is the oldest secular institution after the Monarchy.

“The Office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year. Today there are 55 High Sheriffs serving the Counties of England and Wales. High Sheriffs receive no remuneration or expenses.

The High Sheriff’s role can be summarised as follows:

• To uphold and enhance the ancient Office of High Sheriff and to make a meaningful contribution to the High Sheriff’s County during the year of Office
• To lend active support to the principal organs of the Constitution within their County – the Royal Family, the Judiciary, the Police and other law-enforcement agencies, the emergency services, local authorities, and recognised church and faith groups
• To ensure the welfare of visiting High Court Judges; to attend them at Court and offer them hospitality
• To support the Lord-Lieutenant on Royal visits and on other occasions where appropriate
• To take an active part in supporting and promoting voluntary organisations within the County.”

We know that Ian will be an excellent High Sheriff and look forward to hearing more about his activities.