Stephen Bryan JP, the new High Sheriff of Leicestershire has officially taken office.
Mr Bryan was sworn in at the traditional Handover and Declaration Ceremony held at The Guildhall in Leicester on Thursday, 3 April.
Picture credit: David Morcom Photography
In front of a gathering of around 100 guests and dignitaries, Mr Bryan swore his oath of allegiance to the Crown and was clothed with the badge of office by outgoing High Sheriff, John Chatfeild-Roberts.
Outlining the themes for his year in office, Mr Bryan said his focus would be on homelessness, youth entrepreneurship and road safety.
He confirmed that his nominated charities for the year will be Frog Island based children’s education charity Warning Zone and the Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation. Along with five other High Sheriffs in the East and West Midlands, he will also be supporting the Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Service.
Mr Bryan said: “I am committed to fostering a culture of giving back, underscoring my belief that volunteering can be a lifelong endeavour with profound personal and societal benefits. I will endeavour to serve to the absolute best of my ability, and I hope to be able to use the influence of the role to make connections, convene meetings and create synergies between organisations across the City and County.”
Outgoing High Sheriff Mr Chatfeild-Roberts spoke of the honour and privilege it had been to have held the role for the last twelve months. He called for a minute’s silence to remember Tim Hercock, High Sheriff in 2019/20, who was sadly killed in a quad bike accident in July last year.
He recalled some of the highlights of his year, including the Sheriff’s Shindig and Melton Proms he had organised in Melton Mowbray in early March, and the appointment of the first Honorary Recorder of Leicester, His Honour Judge Tim Spencer KC, by the City Council. He thanked all the many people who had helped him throughout the year and had shown him friendship and kindness, closing with the words “God Save The King”.
Mr Bryan responded, thanking Mr Chatfeild-Roberts for his dedication and commitment to the role during his year in office.
Among the dignitaries in attendance to witness the swearing in of the new High Sheriff were the Chair of the Leicestershire and Rutland Magistrates Bench, Anne Cowan; Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur OBE CStJ; Lord Mayor of Leicester, Cllr Bhupen Dave; Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, Cllr Joe Orson; and Honorary Recorder of Leicester, His Honour Judge Tim Spencer.
Mr Bryan also closed his speech with the word “God Save The King”, after which the National Anthem was sung.
