On Thursday 2 March, the declaration of the new High Sheriff of Rutland took place at Oakham Castle, officially passing the buck from the outgoing High Sheriff for 2025-6 Col (Retd) Richard Chesterfield to the new High Sheriff for 2026-7, Susannah Fish OBE QPM.

The role of High Sheriff is an important historical role that, in modern day, focusses around promoting law and order, supporting different organisations within the county, including police and emergency services, and shining a spotlight on Rutland's voluntary organisations.

Speaking to Oakham Nub News, Richard Chesterfield reflected on his time in the role of High Sheriff, ahead of the official passing over of the role.

For Richard, he took on the role with the goal of being 'a force for good in the county,' which involves being there to celebrate the important local organisations that are there to 'offer the hand of friendship and support without judgement at all times to people in their hour of need.'

'One of the joys has been,' said Richard, 'to get out and meet these people, find out what they do, look them in the eye and say What you do is terrific. It really has a huge impact. We appriciate what you do and without you, our society, Rutland, would be a poorer and meaner place.'

He went on to say that, in his year as High Sheriff, 'I've come to know Rutland and know Rutlanders in a way I never would, had I not been High Sheriff. It's been engaging and deeply worthwhile.

'The role is not about Richard Chesterfield, the role is about the appointment. The individual comes and goes, we all bring something different, different focusses and in doing so, we evolve alongside our community to meet the needs of today and tomorrow, which I think is fantastic.'

Painting a picture of what he has been up to over the last year, Richard created this list: 'The silliest thing I have done was open air yoga with root and branch out.

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'The most joyous thing was to visit the primary schools and see happy, engaged, questioning children.

'The most relaxing thing was at Pepper's A Safe Place - I have spent many an hour in there, feet up, cup of coffee in hand, just enjoying companionable, easy-going company

'The most life affirming thing was Rutland Sailability, where you see these disabled sailors take to the water and challenge themselves, they accept no limits.

'The most interesting thing was the Police [...] the most confidence inspiring was going to the crown court.

'The easiest thing I have done, ex-military breakfast clubs at Oakham and at the prison.

'The most poignant thing was I have gone into a number of care homes and been on dementia wings - there are lovely, lovely people with great stories and the skills and emotional intelligence [of the caregivers] is enough to make you weep at times.'

Richard is also very complimentary of the team around him, thanking his undersheriff Peter Lawson several times, as well as previous High Sheriff Richard Cole and John Ellis the chaplin for their support and guidance.