I was delighted when Lucia Bridgeman, the incoming High Sheriff of Northumberland, asked for my help with the official uniform for her new position – particularly of course with her hat!
The office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular office in the United Kingdom, after the Crown, having existed for over a thousand years. It is an independent, non-political Royal appointment, with each incoming High Sheriff holding the position for a year.
The High Sheriff duties have evolved over the centuries, and now include supporting the Crown, the Judiciary, offering encouragement to the emergency and crime prevention services, as well as supporting a range of community organisations with a particular emphasis on the development of and encouraging of young people.
Each year the High Sheriff distributes grants and awards to a range of organisations in the community particularly to those that encourage beneficial activities for young people. The grants and awards come from charitable trust donations and fundraising events, throughout the High Sheriff’s year of office.
I was very pleased to help with this year’s fundraising efforts with my donation of Marigold, for Lucia’s upcoming charity event on behalf of the High Sheriff of Northumberland’s Fund.
My contribution to this year’s High Sheriff of Northumberland’s Fund is a summer headpiece – Marigold is a celebration of summer – a pure concoction of satsuma-coloured crin, lattice work ribbons, a satin camellia, ostrich and coque feathers, all set on a comfortable headband.
Marigold is ideal for a summer wedding, race day, or for a special summer occasion.
Marigold will be auctioned at the High Sheriff of Northumberland’s upcoming fundraising event in a few weeks time.
The High Sheriff of Northumberland’s Fund awards and grants are made to voluntary and community groups as well as registered charities working in Northumberland. There is an emphasis on projects involving with children and young people.
Those in receipt of an award from the High Sheriff’s Community Foundation Fund, are invited to a celebratory event, for all recipients, in the spring of the year of their award.
Pictured at this year’s awards ceremony, which took place at Alnwick Playhouse in March are Dr. Caroline Pryer, now Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, Diana Barkes, High Sheriff 2023-24, with Dylan Gibson of Blyth, and his sister, Gemma. Dylan received an individual award recognising his unstinting services to Karate and the karate community of Blyth, through his provision of karate clubs.
I should also mention that Caroline is pictured wearing my headpiece Pendragon – finished with the Northumberland Border Shepherds’ tartan – Pendragon is a celebration of the essence of Northumberland.
To make an application for this year’s High Sheriff of Northumberland round of awards and grants visit How to Apply to the Community Foundation Fund and complete the online application form.