Sheriffs will gather in Norwich for weekend of celebrations

The sheriffs are on their way…for the first time in many years Norwich is hosting the annual meeting of the men and women who have been honoured  to take on this ancient role.

An office which is held by people of all ages and walks of life…they do not represent any political party.

They represent the people in their community and devote a year of their lives to supporting them in many different ways.

Namaste Village staff celebrated the Indian Independence Day last month with the Sheriff of Norwich, Dr Jan Sheldon, second right; and her consort, Jo Gillies-Wheatley, third right (Image: Denise Bradley)

And during their time they promote and raise money and awareness to highlight men and women and organisations who do so much to help others.

Today Norwich is one of 15 cities and towns in England and Wales to have a sheriff and from Friday September 29 to October 1 will be welcoming members of their national association.

A programme of special events, activities and outings have been arranged to put Norwich in the spotlight showing off just what we have to offer.

There will be a reception at Norwich Castle on Friday night where they will be welcomed by our serving sheriff Dr Jan Sheldon, chief executive of the Norwich-based homeless charity, St Martins.

Dr Jan Sheldon, the Chief Executive at St Martin's Housing (Image: Newsquest)

The annual meeting of the association will take place at City Hall on Saturday morning followed by a series of outings arranged by the organising committee – bus tours, walking tours, cathedral tours, museum visits and more.

In the evening there will be a dinner at Blackfriars Hall where the guests will include Lord Dannatt, former head of the British Army, and Lady Dannatt, Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk.

The final event will be on Sunday morning when the sword-bearer will lead past and present sheriffs from the City Hall to St Peter Mancroft for a special service.

   City Hall and Guildhall in Norwich (Image: Denise Bradley)

Snap the Dragon and the Whifflers will be on hand to greet our visitors the Norwich way.

Chairman of the organising committee, former sheriff and mine host at the Trafford Arms public house, Chris Higgins said: “This is a rare and wonderful opportunity for us to show our guests the ancient and proud city of Norwich and all that it offers.

Chris Higgins, the landlord of The Trafford Arms, behind the bar (Image: Denise Bradley)

“We would also like to thank all those who have helped to make this visit possible. Organisations, associations, businesses large and small, individuals and Norwich City Council. People have been kind, generous and very supportive,” he added.

There was one occasion when I was especially proud to be the sheriff of Norwich during my year in office during 2010/11.

Derek James, Sheriff of Norwich, and Tom Dylan, Mayor of Norwich, in May 2010 (Image: Antony Kelly)

Lord Mayor Tom Dylan and I had been invited to Portman Road to have a meal and then sit in the “posh” seats to watch Ipswich take on Norwich. City were on top form. They were brilliant.

As the goals from the Canaries kept banging the back of the net. I was the only one on my feet, shouting: “Come on you Yellows.”

As we walked out of the stadium I suggested to Tom that he shout out: “I am the Lord Mayor of Norwich and we just thumped you 5-1.”

He thought better of it.

Charters installing City/town sheriffs:

Berwick-upon-Tweed 1333.

Canterbury 1448.

Carmarthen 1604.

Chester 1120.

Gloucester 1483.

Haverfordwest 1479.

Lichfield 1553.

Lincoln 1409.

Newcastle 1400.

Norwich 1404.

Nottingham 1284.

Oxford 1853.

Poole 1568.

Southampton 1447.

York 1396.