Geraldine Feehally steps down as returning High Sheriff sworn in at Oakham Castle

Yesterday, 11 April 2024, the new High Sheriff of Rutland was sworn in at Oakham Castle.

The Office of High Sheriff is a non-political Royal appointment that lasts for one year.

In an annual ceremony held on 12 November in the Royal Courts of Justice, three names are put forward by the Queen's Remembrancer for the office of High Sheriff in each county. Subsequently the selection of every new High Sheriff is made at a Privy Council meeting from the names given.

The Sovereign by ancient custom, uses a silver bodkin to 'prick' a hole through a vellum scroll against the appointed name. Currently there are 55 High Sheriffs, balanced in gender, serving the counties of England and Wales.

Rutland High Sheriffs are generally sworn in at Oakham Castle. Image credit: Nub News.

Richard Cole has taken over from Geraldine Feehally, who held the position for the 2023/24 term.

Richard Cole from Uppingham was the High Sheriff in 2021, and is now one of five who have been reappointed following the pandemic.

As Geraldine Feehally steps down, Oakham Nub News is taking a look at her year as Rutland's High Sheriff.

On Tuesday 28 March 2023, Geraldine was sworn in at a private ceremony at Oakham Castle, taking over from Geoff Thompson.

Oakham Castle can be found just off Oakham Market Place, Rutland. Image credit: Nub News.

The past practical tasks of a High Sheriff are now delegated to the legal courts and the Chief Constable of Police, but formal responsibilities still include ensuring the well-being of High Court Judges on circuit, attending Royal visits to the county, acting as a returning officer for parliamentary elections, proclaiming the accession of a new Sovereign and attending ceremonial functions.

On top of this High Sheriffs provide support to the Judiciary, the Police, the Emergency Services, the Prison and Probation Services and to agencies involved in crime prevention, particularly with young people.

They receive no public funds, instead giving back as an independent, non-political entity, encouraging statutory and voluntary organisations and presenting awards to deserving individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their local communities and the county.

Geraldine Feehally, who is passionate about the local area, has filled this role enthusiastically, hosting a range of concerts, supporting local charities and attending events to celebrate and recognise local achievements.

Geraldine at Rutland Water Visitor Centre. Image credit: Nub News.

In her year in office, she hosted concerts to raise funds for food and education charities in and around Rutland, as well as supporting a charity close to her heart, Hope Into Action, which supports homeless people who want to make a change to their lives, supporting them with housing, employment and rejoining the community.

She also attended a range of award ceremonies and launch events, including the launch of 'Oncar's Adventure at Rutland Water', a book and audio book by local author, Tracey Dene Powell.

Prior to this, she ventured across the globe, teaching in Charleston, USA, and Sekenani in Kenya. In fact, Geraldine was the founder and development director of the first secondary school for girls in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, 2012 - 2019.

She has taught in primary and secondary schools both urban and rural, and retired following a decade working for Leicester City Council, in 2015.

This is when she and her husband moved to Rutland. She became incredible passionate about the area, and showed this in her time as the High Sheriff of Rutland.