The High Sheriff Awards Ceremony 2026.
High Sheriff Awards Ceremony 2026.
One of the privileges of being High Sheriff is that during your shrieval year you are able to witness the amazing contributions made by so many people and organisations across the County for the benefit of our local community; whether through public service, charitable work or volunteering. Suzanne and I have met countless people selflessly giving their time, experience and expertise for the benefit of others.
Another privilege of being High Sheriff is that I can give an award to some of these individuals and organisations as a public recognition of their great and valuable service to our community and hold a ceremony so that they can be acclaimed.
As I approached the end of my term in office and looked back at the places I have visited and the people I met, I realised how difficult it was going to be to select those deserving of a High Sheriff Award. In truth I probably could have filled the sizeable Holy Trinity Church on Guildford’s High Street several times over with deserving people; but in the end I was thrilled to hand out 38 awards. I also had the privilege of presenting a special award to ‘Edge of Change’ on behalf of National Crimebeat.
It was such a pleasure for Suzanne and I to host this event and we were delighted to be joined by The Mayor of Guildford – Howard Smith, The Chairman of Surrey County Council – Tim Hall, and the High Sheriff in Nomination, Mrs Joosje Hamilton who takes over as High Sheriff on the 10th April, to acclaim the award winners.
There are too many recipients of awards to mention here but you can read the citations in the programme, a PDF of which is available HERE.
I was also delighted to acknowledge the help and support I have enjoyed throughout my shrieval year from Simon Butler, my Chaplain; Caroline Breckell MVO DL the Under Sheriff; my two cadets Grace and Imogen, Andy Newbold, for the photographs and social media posting and Alison Burrows for helping with all the admin!
Most of all it was a privilege to thank all of the people and the organisations who received awards – you are all inspiring and a credit to your County.
