Today, the 5th of April 2022, Peter Geoffrey Thompson took over as Rutland's High Sheriff, replacing the 2021/22 candidate, David Woods.

The ceremony took place at Oakham Castle and saw Mr Thompson take on his new role in full formal dress, ready for his new duties.

The Office of High Sheriff is a non-political Royal appointment that lasts for one year. A nomination ceremony takes place annually in the Royal Courts of Justice at which three names are put forward by the Queen's Remembrancer for the office of High Sheriff in each county.

Then the selection of every new High Sheriff is made from those names in the Privy Council by the Sovereign who, 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 serving the counties of England and Wales.

High Sheriffs represent the Sovereign within their county in respect of matters relating to the judiciary and maintenance of law and order. In practice, most practical tasks 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 various ceremonial functions.

Huge congratulations to Peter Thompson, who will be speaking on Rutland & Stamford Sound at 8.10am tomorrow, the 6th of April 2022.

We look forward to watching him handle this exciting new post.