Oakham Nub News has got 'Up Close' with Rutland's new High Sheriff following his declaration last week. 

Returning High Sheriff, Richard Cole, was sworn in at Oakham Castle on 11 April 2024. Having taken on the position during the pandemic, Richard is excited to give the role another go, and has big plans to fit in all of the events, awards and public engagements that he didn't get to take a punt at the first time round. 

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

In an annual ceremony held in November at the Royal Courts of Justice, three names are put forward by the King'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. 

Their 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. 

The role is a voluntary one and comes at no cost to the public. 

Richard explained: "A High Sheriff is nominated without knowing that his or her name has been put forward. When the letter fell on my doorstep the first time round, I thought it had got the wrong address! 

"But it is a privilege and an honour to serve the County and offers the chance for each High Sheriff to do it their own way, to thank those who go the extra mile working tirelessly with their local communities." 

Richard is no stranger to charity work and volunteering, having been with the Territorial Army for over 20 years. 

Since this, he has also served with the regional reserve forces and local cadets association, which he is a keen advocate for.

He added: "The cadets is a wonderful initiative, giving young people structure and helping them make good decisions. It also gives the youngsters a strong CV and provides access to activities that they might otherwise not be able to enjoy." 

On top of this, Richard has been a church warden in Uppingham, supports the organisation of the annual Poppy Appeal in the historic market town and was previously involved in Uppingham In Bloom – which celebrated 40 years of success in 2023. 

Richard said: "Rutland is full of wonderful people who volunteer much more than I. There are over 400 charities and groups in the area and I want to shine a light on their and achievements improving the lives of others. 

"I have spent my life as a generalist," he laughed, "so I won't have any specific focus but I hope to highlight the good work of as many charities as possible during my year as High Sheriff." 

In his quest to recognise local volunteers, he has already visited Rutland Foodbank to find out how he can support this busy charity. 

Richard is keen for local people to be at the heart of his campaign, and he has urged local people to get in touch to share their fundraising and charity work, good news stories and achievements. 

He can be reached by emailing [email protected]. 

He encouraged Rutlanders to share "anything that benefits local people: fundraising, litter picking, charity work. Whatever you are doing to give opportunities and make the lives of the local community better, I want to know about it." 

And Richard has created the time to forge connections with local people since retiring from a long career in manufacturing and distribution in December 2023. 

He remains a devoted husband and father to his two grown up children and young granddaughter as well as, "grandfather to my son's energetic springer spaniel," he laughed. 

Alongside this he enjoys getting out and about in the local area – where he is a familiar and friendly face to many. 

Congratulations to Richard on his appointment, and watch this space for more updates, events and fundraising initiatives hosted by Rutland's 2024/25 High Sheriff.