High Sheriff of Lancashire

High Sheriff of Lancashire The High Sheriff of Lancashire is selected each year by the King.

A voluntary role promoting the rule of law, supporting the voluntary sector and celebrating the people and organisations that make Lancashire such a remarkable county.

Some exhibitions make you stop and think. This was one of them.Today I had the privilege of attending the Portraits of C...
15/06/2026

Some exhibitions make you stop and think. This was one of them.

Today I had the privilege of attending the Portraits of Courage exhibition at Blackburn Cathedral and presenting books to those featuring in the exhibition.

The stories behind the portraits were both moving and inspiring. They remind us that courage is not just found in headlines or history books. It can be found in people facing illness, loss, hardship or personal challenges and finding the strength to carry on.

The exhibition celebrates resilience, hope and the remarkable capacity of people to overcome adversity. It was a privilege to spend time reflecting on these stories and meeting some of those involved.

Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this wonderful exhibition and to Blackburn Cathedral for hosting it in such a beautiful and welcoming setting.

One man voluntarily entered Auschwitz.Think about that for a moment.Today in Preston, I attended the planting of the "Wi...
14/06/2026

One man voluntarily entered Auschwitz.

Think about that for a moment.

Today in Preston, I attended the planting of the "Witold" Oak and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in honour of Captain Witold Pilecki.

His story is almost beyond belief. During the Second World War, he deliberately allowed himself to be arrested and sent to Auschwitz so that he could gather intelligence, organise resistance inside the camp and tell the world what was happening there.

As I stood beside the newly planted oak, I couldn't help wondering whether any of us can truly imagine the courage it must have taken to make that choice.

The oak tree planted today is a beautiful symbol of resilience, courage and hope. Long after we are gone, it will continue to tell the story of a man who risked everything so that others might know the truth.

It was heartening to see people from across Lancashire and the wider Polish community come together to honour a man whose bravery continues to inspire more than eighty years later.

My thanks to Maciej Serocki, Bridge Over Borders and everyone involved in organising today's ceremony.

The evil that Captain Pilecki witnessed belongs to history. The courage, hope and humanity that he demonstrated remain as relevant today as ever.

13/06/2026

What a fantastic day at the Preston Mela!

From the moment I arrived, I was swept up in the colour, music, dancing, food and sheer joy of the occasion. It was a wonderful celebration of the many cultures that make Lancashire such a vibrant and welcoming place to live.

One of the things that struck me most was seeing people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to enjoy the day. Families, friends and visitors from across the community sharing food, music, laughter and conversation - exactly the kind of community spirit that makes our county so special.

As High Sheriff of Lancashire, I am privileged to attend many events, but few can match the sights, sounds and tastes on display at Preston Mela.

My only apology is to the people of Preston for having to witness my truly terrible attempt at Bhangra dancing! I can confirm that the performers were considerably more talented than I was.

Thank you to everyone involved in organising such a joyful and inclusive event.

13/06/2026

What a fantastic day at the Preston Mela!

From the moment I arrived, I was swept up in the colour, music, dancing, food and sheer joy of the occasion. It was a wonderful celebration of the many cultures that make Lancashire such a vibrant and welcoming place to live.

One of the things that struck me most was seeing people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to enjoy the day. Families, friends and visitors from across the community sharing food, music, laughter and conversation - exactly the kind of community spirit that makes our county so special.

As High Sheriff of Lancashire, I am privileged to attend many events, but few can match the sights, sounds and tastes on display at Preston Mela.

My only apology is to the people of Preston for having to witness my truly terrible attempt at Bhangra dancing! I can confirm that the performers were considerably more talented than I was.

Thank you to everyone involved in organising such a joyful and inclusive event.

What an inspiring evening at the Chief Constable's Awards.We often hear about the challenges facing policing, but last n...
13/06/2026

What an inspiring evening at the Chief Constable's Awards.

We often hear about the challenges facing policing, but last night's ceremony was a powerful reminder of the extraordinary things that police officers and members of the public do every day to keep us safe.

Awards were presented to officers who had shown outstanding bravery and professionalism, including two unarmed officers who confronted an armed suspect carrying a handgun, teams who dismantled serious organised crime groups, and officers whose dedication and attention to detail helped secure convictions against dangerous criminals.

The most emotional moments came when two members of the public were recognised for their courage. One stepped in to stop a violent attack on a passer-by after stopping the bus they were travelling on. Another stopped to help a stranded motorist and was injured himself while trying to get them to safety.

Their actions remind us that kindness, courage and public spirit are alive and well in Lancashire.

It was a privilege to attend and to celebrate these remarkable people. A real good news story about the police and the public working together to make our county a safer place.

Photo credit: Peter Allen

Lancashire Police

Preventing crime before it starts is always better than dealing with the consequences afterwards.Yesterday I attended th...
10/06/2026

Preventing crime before it starts is always better than dealing with the consequences afterwards.

Yesterday I attended the Lancashire Female Justice Board meeting at HMP Styal in my role as High Sheriff of Lancashire.

It was inspiring to see representatives from more than 30 organisations working together alongside women with lived experience of the criminal justice system.

A particular focus for me was the work being done to support girls and women before they become involved in crime. Early intervention, positive role models and practical support can make a life-changing difference and help prevent people entering the criminal justice system in the first place.

The discussions throughout the day demonstrated the power of partnership working and the importance of listening to those with lived experience when designing services and support.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to such an informative and constructive meeting. Lancashire is fortunate to have so many dedicated people working to create better opportunities and brighter futures for women and girls.

hmp styal

A very special day at Lancaster Castle as I hung my High Sheriff's Shield in the historic Shire Hall.For hundreds of ye...
09/06/2026

A very special day at Lancaster Castle as I hung my High Sheriff's Shield in the historic Shire Hall.

For hundreds of years, Lancashire High Sheriffs have left their shields as a lasting record of their year in office and it was both humbling and moving to see mine take its place amongst those of so many predecessors.

The day also included a service at Lancaster Priory where the theme was Hope. It was a fitting reminder that, even in difficult times, hope can be found in the kindness of others, in communities coming together and in the dedication of those who serve Lancashire every day.

As someone born and raised in Lancashire, it was a moment I will never forget. The ceremony celebrated tradition but the message of hope looked firmly towards the future.

Thank you to everyone who attended and to all those who continue to bring hope, compassion and support to people across our county.

Duchy OfLancaster

Right in the heart of Burnley, inside Charter Walk Shopping Centre, is a remarkable community resource called Down Town....
29/05/2026

Right in the heart of Burnley, inside Charter Walk Shopping Centre, is a remarkable community resource called Down Town.

I was delighted to visit with Burnley Borough Council CEO Lukman Patel and to learn more about the support, opportunities and sense of community being created there - as well as having a great cup of coffee in the cafe.

This photograph was taken in the Grocery, where people can access affordable food while also connecting with a wide range of other services and support. It was inspiring to see how Down Town is helping local residents in such practical and positive ways.

A huge thank you to everyone who welcomed us and shared their stories. Community is built through people helping people, and Down Town is a wonderful example of that in action.

Down Town Community Grocery Burnley

Really encouraged by an excellent meeting at HMP Kirkham this week, where I was delighted to introduce the team from The...
28/05/2026

Really encouraged by an excellent meeting at HMP Kirkham this week, where I was delighted to introduce the team from The Recruitment Junction to the prison’s senior management team.

Both organisations are doing amazing work helping prison leavers move into good full-time jobs after release, and there was a real sense of positivity and determination in the room.

So many good ideas shared - and a powerful reminder of how important employment, opportunity and support can be in helping people build a better future.

Address

Preston

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when High Sheriff of Lancashire posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category