Ceremony in Oakham Castle marking the handover from outgoing High Sheriff of Rutland Richard Cole to incoming High Sheriff Col Richard Chesterfield.
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00:00Lord Lieutenant, Judge Spencer, Magistrate Brown, Dignitaries, Ladies and Gentlemen and Members of the Royal Tank Regiment.
00:09Welcome and thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend this declaration and handover to the High Sheriffs.
00:18Before I say anything else I would like to publicly thank Richard Cole for mentoring me and gently introducing me to the many facets of the role.
00:29Richard, you've been outstanding and I'm most grateful for your advice, guidance and friendship.
00:36A simple thank you seems rather inadequate, but thank you.
00:41I'm deeply honoured to have been selected as High Sheriff.
00:46Nonetheless, the job is not about me, it is rather about the modern role.
00:53That might seem a little odd as I'm stood in front of you in a facsimile of 18th century court dress, but at least the velvet behoves me to touch a little upon history.
01:07Whilst Magna Carta mentions the role of High Sheriff some 27 times in 63 clauses, and that probably wasn't a good thing, the role dates back even further to at least the 8th century.
01:22So a small digression if I may.
01:25In the days of King Bjorthric of Wessex, 782-802, there came for the first time three ships of Northmen from Horadaland and landed on the island that is called Portland.
01:39The King's Reef, who was then in a town called Dorchester, sped to the harbour with a few men, for they thought they were merchants.
01:49He admonished them in a stern manner and gave orders that they be driven to the royal town.
01:55Unsurprisingly, he and his companions were killed by the Northmen on the spot.
02:01The name of the King's Reef was Beaglehurd, so the lesson is don't remonstrate with people and avoid Vikings.
02:09More seriously, it is clear that the appointment was once a powerful one and included amongst other things tax raising power, local law enforcement, raising human crime, summoning military forces and supervising the election of knights to parliament.
02:27The scope for personal enrichment must have been significant and unsurprisingly powers have been transferred progressively to other statutory bodies.
02:39So where are we today?
02:42Well you've heard my declaration and the stated role is to uphold the ancient office and lend active support to the principal organs of the constitution.
02:52This explicitly includes the royal family, the judiciary, the police, the prison service, emergency service and both recognised churches and faith groups.
03:05Clearly the Lord Lieutenant as the Senior Royal Appointment has precedence in almost all matters, so it is incumbent upon me to work closely with her to maximise impact and minimise duplication.
03:20Nonetheless the High Sheriff's role has a number of specified tasks.
03:25The first is to support the judiciary and in particular ensure the welfare of visiting High Court judges, attend them in court and offer them hospitality.
03:37I'm already indebted to His Honour Judge Tim Spencer Casey, late RTR, for his kind invitation to attend his court later this month.
03:48And similarly to Anne Cowan, Chair of the Leicestershire and Rutland Magistrates Bench, for her invitation to attend when appropriate.
03:58Both areas are under considerable pressure and it is right and proper to support, publicly recognise and promote trust in this most vital part of our democracy.
04:10In addition I'm minded of the substantial contribution made by the police, prison and emergency services, all of whom I look forward to visiting and thanking for their outstanding service to Rutland.
04:25Further, the High Sheriff should engage church and faith groups that have an enduring impact on our lives and continue to be a force for good in our communities.
04:36In this area I'm very pleased to be guided by the Venerable John Ellis who, with his empathy and faith, will keep me on track and sensitive to the needs of others.
04:48Similarly, all those who know me well recognise that I like a little bit of chaos. This may not be the best approach in the coming year,
04:57but thankfully Peter Lawson has agreed to be my Undersheriff and with his previous experience will ensure that I'm organised, on time and well prepared.
05:09Beyond the specified task, the key implied task is to be a force for good in Rutland, particularly supporting and promoting those voluntary organisations, no matter how small or large, that make our lives better.
05:26Whilst each High Sheriff is free to engage as they see fit, it must be recognised that we build on the foundations laid by our predecessors.
05:35And in that context I wish to help strengthen and increase social capital in our communities.
05:43The concept of social capital is quite wide ranging, but I take it to mean those relationships, bonds and networks that benefit individuals, communities and more broadly our society.
05:58Implicit within this is trust, shared norms and values and the respect for others that underpin our understanding of being Rutlanders.
06:09Much happens naturally, but where there are gaps and shortfall, we see regularly voluntary organisations and charities stepping to help, sign post services and offer the hand of friendship, thereby combating loneliness and need.
06:27These groups deserve our support, recognition and thanks and it is in this area where I would like to get involved and invite you to point out individuals, groups and organisations where the High Sheriff could have a positive impact.
06:44It is therefore evident that I don't have any singular theme but rather a broad approach. My intent is to meet as many Rutlanders as possible, supporting charitable works and volunteerism and espousing British values. These are democracy, the rule of law, liberty, respect and tolerance.
07:07So how do I summarise and come to a close? Well the best that I can do is to be a force for good in Rutland, helping to build trust, supporting collaboration and promoting kindness. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much.