Jennifer Duke, from Exmoor has become the High Sheriff of Somerset after making her Declaration of Office at a Choral Evensong in Wells Cathedral. Jennifer, who has served as church warden of St Mary the Virgin in Luxborough for more than 23 years says she is honoured to have been appointed.
There are 55 High Sheriffs serving the counties in England and Wales.The year-long, non-political and independent appointment provides support for the Royal Family, the Judiciary, the Police and the emergency services. The High Sheriff offers encouragement to those supporting the charity and voluntary sectors and actively encourages crime prevention. The key to the role is to uphold and enhance the ancient office while making a meaningful contribution to the county of Somerset.
Jennifer, who will be the 961st High Sheriff of Somerset, commented: “In the year ahead, I look forward to supporting the work of the police, the judiciary, the probation service, and all the emergency services.
"Whilst I aim to support and encourage a wide variety of charities and voluntary organisations, I plan to focus on three critical areas for the county: promoting opportunities in education and training for children and young adults, working alongside charities which strive to prevent children becoming involved in, or being victims of crime, addressing the issue of child food poverty and, at the same time, promoting local Somerset food produce.”
The High Sheriff of Somerset serves the ancient county of Somerset composed of these six districts:
1) South Somerset
2) Somerset West and Taunton
3) Sedgemoor
4) Mendip
5) Bath and North East Somerset (Unitary)
6) North Somerset (Unitary)