On Wednesday 1 April 2020, Charles Bagot Jewitt was sworn in as High Sheriff of Staffordshire in a virtual ceremony in the presence of His Honour Judge Michael Chambers QC, Recorder of Stafford at Stafford Crown Court. Staying true to the custom, outgoing High Sheriff Ashley Brough was also in attendance together with his friends and family.
The High Sheriff’s role can be summarised as follows:
- To lend active support to the principal organs of the Constitution within their county – the Royal Family, the Judiciary, the Police and other law-enforcement agencies, the emergency services, local authorities, and all recognised church and faith groups.
- To ensure the welfare of visiting High Court Judges; to attend on them at Court and to offer them hospitality.
- To support the Lord-Lieutenant on royal visits and on other occasions as appropriate.
- To take an active part in supporting and promoting voluntary organisations with the County.
- To uphold and enhance the ancient Office of High Sheriff and to make a meaningful contribution to the High Sheriff’s County during the year of Office.
Hilary Term Legal Service
Please view the video and download the service booklet sheet below for the Hilary Term legal service.
This would normally be held within St Mary’s Church, Stafford at this time of year.
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Please click here to view the full declaration video
Charlie Bagot Jewitt said:
“I have the oldest job in the UK, but Covid-19 won’t stop a 1000-year-old position. The position of High Sheriff has evolved and survived and in early 2020 it starts in the virtual world. The current lockdown means much of my work will have to be carried out remotely over the internet.”
“I will support the amazing emergency services, legal services and voluntary groups but to start off in just in a slightly different way. We must try to take positives out of all challenges and I hope the work I do this year will connect with new people and groups; especially the youth and voluntary sector which I am keen to support during my appointment.”
