New High Sheriff of Lincolnshire appointed

This story is over

Last week a new High Sheriff of Lincolnshire was appointed for the next year.

Claire Birch made her declaration in a small turnover ceremony in the gardens of her home at Doddington Hall, taking over from Michael Scott.

The declaration was witnessed by The Hon. Mr Justice Hildyard and Claire appointed Michael Pace, Solicitor as Undersheriff.

The role of High Sheriff goes back to the 12th century and is the oldest royal appointment still in existence.

High Sheriffs support the judiciary, emergency services and crime prevention, and in recent times the role has expanded into encouraging, supporting and thanking the voluntary sector, especially those organisations working with people at risk of offending and the victims of crime.

Claire Birch has lived at Doddington Hall near Lincoln, with her husband James since 2006.

Together they have developed and run a series of rural enterprises on their estate, with the back drop of Elizabethan Historic House Doddington Hall, which has been open to the public since 1954.

The retail businesses (Farm shop, bike shop, clothing and home stores), cafes, weddings, corporate events and holiday accommodation employ more than 120 people and there are nearly as many volunteers.

New High Sheriff Claire Birch and Undersheriff Michael Pace Partner of Chattertons Legal Services with Outgoing High Sheriff Michael Scott

Claire said:

“It is a huge honour to be High Sheriff for Lincolnshire.”

“I would like to thank Michael for all his wise words and support, in spite of lockdowns he has managed to make dozens of High Sheriff Awards in recent weeks.

“I know that the last 12 months have been incredibly challenging for so many people and community organisations, and I think that one of the most important tasks for me this year is to seek out and thank all the incredible unsung heroes who have helped so many during the pandemic.

“During the last 12 months we have witnessed first-hand at Doddington how important access to green spaces is for mental and physical health and I am particularly interested in supporting organisations working outdoors, with nature to build resilience, opportunities and wellbeing for people in Lincolnshire.”

Michael Scott, outgoing High Sheriff reflected: “Although the year has a been a disappointment, with very few of the normal official functions being able to take place, contacts with the Police, the Judiciary, the Prison and Probation Service, the Fire and Rescue Service and others have demonstrated how well served we are by the amazing commitment of those charged with keeping us safe.

“Everyone has gone the extra mile in the most difficult of circumstances.”

“I have been very fortunate in the final few weeks of my term in office to have been able to make my High Sheriff’s Awards in person to people who have served their communities, looked after the less fortunate and generally demonstrated why it is that our great county of Lincolnshire functions so effectively through the efforts of these unsung heroes”.