'The power of thank you': Rutland High Sheriff reflects on his year in the role ahead of the new Sheriff's declaration
Richard Cole is a regular face around Rutland, regularly appearing in his High Sheriff cravat at local events and community groups.
His year as High Sheriff has been packed full with meeting members of the community, attending important events, meeting with leaders and those involved in the justice system and spending time giving back to the county.
Richard spoke to Oakham Nub News, reflecting on his time as Sheriff and the lessons he has learnt during his time in the role.
What has been the highlight of your year as High Sheriff?
"People have said to me what's been your highlight so far and it's always been whatever I did yesterday. I never imagined how good it would be and how much fun it would be meeting so many people.
"Some people go into their year [as Sheriff] having a theme, a focus. I thought I won't have a focus then I can be open and accessible to as many people in Rutland as possible, rather than being a bit niche. I wanted to be open to everything so although the focus of the High Sheriff is supporting law and order, justice, police, voluntary sector and all that. I really wanted to thank and celebrate anyone who was doing good things, making other people's lives better. Whether it's been visiting charities, schools, celebrating people doing good things.
"Everything has been great. I've been in awe of really is just how many people volunteer so selflessly to make the lives of others better in whatever shape or form. It's phenomenal."
What did you find difficult or challenging in this role?
"It's been a real learning experience. I've lived in Rutland for 35, going on 36 years and you realise how little you know about it to some extent.
"I moved to this area in 1981 to work in the shoe industry, and I moved to Rutland in '87 so I've always worked in sort of sales, marketing, logistics so I had no background in [the justice system] whatsoever, so it's been a real eye opener learning curve for me.
"It's been a real privilege to see behind the scenes with the justice system. I've been to the Crown Court, the County Court, the High Court, the Probation Service, the Tribunal Service, Coroner's Court and Magistrates' Court.
"Life is tough for a lot of people and most people get into our justice system through poverty, desperation or a lot of mental health issues. I think we have a lot in place to support people but a lot of people find themselves drifting into the justice system because of their circumstances rather than anything else, so that's been quite tough to see but equally how hard all those organisations work to turn their lives around and get out of that system and make sure they can move positively forward. So whilst it can be quite depressing to see just how many challenges people in our society face, given how fortunate we are to live where we do, it's good to see the structures out there and the people who support them."
The ceremonial roles such as Mayor, High Sheriff and Lord Lieutenant have been criticised recently on social media as being outdated and a waste of money, what do you think of this?
"I get that people perhaps questions tradition, but I think our traditions make us who we are, and our heritage makes us who we are, and I think that's certainly what I have found in this role. It's that sort of soft power of being able to say thank you to people for what they do and recognising them, listening to their stories. It's really powerful.
"I think the good thing about being the High Sheriff is that there is no cost to the community, it's completely voluntary. There's no expense to the community so we're able to say thank you to people and often we can put people in touch with other groups who can work together more effectively. I think it's the power of thanking people, recognising them for what they do. It's really important and hugely undervalued."
What advice to you have for the next High Sheriff to take on the role?
"I'm always about putting other people first, respecting people. I think it's good that a new person comes in every year [as High Sheriff], they bring fresh energy, new ideas, so they'll get to meet different people. Do it with a smile. Get out there, listening to people and thanking them, smiling, reassuring them that they're doing a good job and patting them on the back and saying thank you. The power of thank you is amazing."
What's next for you?
"I actually retired from work to do this job. My age was just right so I retired just about a couple months before I got to do this, it enable be to turn my head round to focus on this for a year. So Friday will be my first real day of retirement. I don't know what that'll be really. Definitely not golf or daytime television. My wife has a very long list of things I haven't done for the last year. I'm a very much live in the moment person so I don't have particular plans right now.
"There are things I have come across during my year where I have thought 'I don't need to be High Sheriff to do these things.' There's lots of people out there, lots of groups that need another volunteer, another pair of hands and I'm very much a doer so I'll get myself involved in several of those if they'll have me. As long as I can help them, and as long as I can contribute, that'll be good."
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