The High Sheriff

Nationally, the High Sheriff’s Association has its own charity called Crimebeat which celebrates and supports innovative initiatives instigated by young people, for young people to prevent them from becoming involved in criminal activity and ending up in the justice system.

The county of Shropshire has not yet participated in this charity, and I want to continue my predecessors’ efforts (Mandy Thorn MBE DL) working with youth groups to encourage projects to come forward and to champion them.

The fact that the office of High Sheriff is apolitical and voluntary and has no charge on the public purse places me in a unique position. I am able to devote my time to bringing people together in the county and to support the enormous contribution made by the emergency services, local authorities, church and faith groups and the voluntary community.

I can focus on the work of the thousands of volunteers within Shropshire who by their selfless commitment to helping others and working towards the well-being of their communities make this county work, especially at a time when government and local authority funding is so constrained. These people are the fabric which holds society together.

All too often this hard work and dedication is recognised only by those who benefit from it and I passionately believe that one of the most important aspects of my role as High Sheriff is to highlight and bring to a wider audience, recognition of this outstanding contribution and to thank all these individuals and organisations on behalf of all of us. To this end I will be seeking nominations for the High Sheriff awards so if you know of an individual, a voluntary or community group or business that you feel needs recognising please do nominate them.