The High Sheriff

The High Sheriff

Photo credit: Shropshire Star

 

A bit about me!

Meet Shropshire’s High Sheriff for 2026-27, Katy Tanner DL

Shropshire has been my home since I was 13, although I have known the county since early childhood, returning from Singapore for holidays, as my mother’s family all farmed in south-west Shropshire and my paternal grandparents retired here in the 1960s.

I was educated at Moreton Hall in north Shropshire and after completing a degree in English and History at Bath Spa University, and spending some time working in London for a business management company, I returned to Shropshire and married my husband James, in 1994, and we have lived and worked in Shropshire ever since.

James is the fourth generation of his family to run the family company, Tanners Wines, and more recently I worked as Development Director at my former school, Moreton Hall.

My most notable achievement there, and the one I am proudest of, was raising capital to build the Holroyd Community Theatre. I raised approximately £1.5 million to help kickstart the project. The theatre aims to be a vibrant community space for all, presenting high-quality, affordable live performances alongside events and opportunities for involvement in the arts.

We have three children: Emily aged 26, Mima who is 23 and Will is 20.

The High Sheriff's charity 'Crimebeat'

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Shropshire and Community

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Learn more about The High Sheriff's Awards

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The High Sheriff's charity 'Crimebeat'

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.

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Shropshire and its communities

Shropshire is one of the larger counties in England (13th out of the 48) but, excluding Telford, its population density is one of the lowest in terms of population per square kilometre. This perhaps explains why there is such a strong sense of community and involvement in local issues and concerns throughout the county.

I have always been struck by the willingness of people to help each other and to put themselves out to support and give their time to enhance the well-being of their local town or village, something that is increasingly rare nowadays. This sense of ‘belonging’ exists throughout the county, and one of my main aims in my year of office is to visit as many places as possible, especially those smaller towns and villages which do not ordinarily receive a visit to meet as many people as possible, so that I can to see for myself, the inspiring work that you and your community are doing.

If you would like me to pay a visit to your community, please get in touch through this website.

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Shropshire Map
Photo credit: Shropshire Star

Supporting Charitable Causes

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.

My predecessor, Jane Trowbridge JP, spearheaded Youth Awareness Day, an initiative designed to spotlight the needs and potential of young people across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin and raise much needed funds for local youth charities. I am pleased to be able to use my Shrieval year to continue to highlight awareness.

Please visit the dedicated Youth Awareness Day page on the Shropshire Community Foundation website to find out more.

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The People

The High Sheriff

The Under Sheriff

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The High Sheriff's Chaplain

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The High Sheriff's Cadets

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Recent High Sheriffs

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“Raising awareness of the challenges facing the Probation Service, and supporting and promoting the work of rehabilitation groups, is what I would like to focus on during my Shrieval year, and I intend to do so to the very best of my ability.”

– Katy Tanner DL

Email me at: shropshire@highsheriffs.com

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