Min Willoughby de Broke Inauguration 2021

The tradition in Warwickshire is for the new High Sheriff to be inaugurated on Maundy Thursday and it is usual to hold the ceremony  in the Old No 1 Court in the former Court buildings and Shire Hall in the centre of Warwick.  Joe Greenwell the former High Sheriff had to hold his Inauguration on Zoom due to the recent Covid lockdown, and sadly I am having to do the same a year later.  This year the ceremony took place on Thursday April 1st 2021.  Holding the ceremony on Zoom doesn’t have the cache of the Shire Hall, but the necessary people were present to hear me read my Declaration and to witness my signature.

I was very fortunate to have Sir John Saunders, High Court Judge preside over my ceremony, with His Honour Judge Lockhart keeping an eye on proceedings.  The others present all had a part to play including the retiring Under Sheriff, David Lodder and the Incoming Under Sheriff, John Rouse.

The High Sheriff is appointed by her Majesty the Queen to represent her in the county in matters of law and order.

I see my role as continuing the wonderful work of previous High Sheriffs.

To support all those people interested in protecting and promoting law and order in the county with particular reference to the Police, Ambulance and Fire Services.

To support the judiciary, to include the Judges, Magistrates, Coroners, Prisons and Probation Service.

To support as many charities as possible within Warwickshire.

Crimebeat is the charity supported by the High Sheriff Association and in Warwickshire there is a Golf Day in the Autumn which raises funds for Crimebeat.

In every county there are many unsung heroes and heroines and I look forward to meeting  these wonderful people in my year of office.