Anne Nisbet belongs to one of the most exclusive ‘clubs’ in England and Wales There are only 55 ‘members’ and all have the title of High Sheriff.
The High Sheriff is His Majesty The King’s appointee for the maintenance of justice and preservation of peace in their respective counties during their year of office.
“It is a non-political, independent, and unpaid office,” said Mrs Nisbet of Clifton Village, who is the current holder of the post. “But it is a tremendous honour to be asked to do it.”
While the origins of the office date back to Saxon times, the duties have evolved to be largely ceremonial and representative. However, supporting the Crown and the Judiciary remains core to the role. High Sheriffs actively support and encourage the police, the emergency services and the voluntary sector.
Sheriffs also engage directly with the police, prison and probation services, along with other local law enforcement agencies, to champion their efforts.
Supporting the judiciary includes entertaining High Court judges to dinner and also introducing them to the city while they are sitting in Bristol Crown Court, explains Mrs Nisbet.
“I am taking a High Court judge to the theatre tonight to see a light-hearted play. It makes a difference to some of the grim things they hear in court cases all day.”
Mrs Nisbet, who describes herself as being “passionate about charitable causes”, is also supporting organisations across the city with a “special focus on championing opportunities for the next generation.”
The custom in Bristol is for each new High Sheriff to be sworn in before a High Court judge wearing red robes and a full-bottomed wig and seated beneath the royal coat of arms in Number One Courtroom of Bristol crown Court. The ceremony is normally watched by about 50 civic and judicial dignitaries and invited guests.
The work of the High Sheriff is nothing new to the Nesbit household for Mrs Nesbit’s husband, Andrew, was High Sheriff for Bristol from 2012 to 2013.
One of the highlights of her year of office will be a that she organises at Bristol Cathedral in October which marks the start of the Legal Year. It brings together judges, barristers, solicitors, local authority officials and other invitees.
By Maurice Fells