Lady Joicey is new High Sheriff

A service where she took on the role from Michael Orde took place in St Mary’s Church on Saturday.

During the ceremony she appointed Alexander Dickinson as her Under-Sheriff and Reverend John Vilaseca as her Chaplain for her year in office.

The role of High Sheriff dates back to Saxon times when the Sheriff was appointed to maintain law and order and it was retained after the Normans invaded, the first recorded High Sheriff of Northumberland being appointed in 1076 by King William I.

Today, it is an unpaid voluntary role, appointed by the Queen, and concentrates on upholding and supporting the judiciary, police and law enforcement agencies, emergency services, local authorities and all recognised church and faith groups, as well as supporting and encouraging the voluntary sector.

In Northumberland, a fund administered by The Community Foundation was set up over 25 years ago. Successive High Sheriffs have raised around £500,000 to give out to voluntary and community groups that encourage young people to engage in useful activities.

Pictured, left to right, are Alexander Dickinson, Rev John Vilaseca, Professor Joy Palmer Cooper JP, Lady Joicey and Michael Orde.