High Sheriff of Lancashire

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High Sheriff of Lancashire The High Sheriff of Lancashire is selected each year by the King.

A voluntary role promoting the rule of law, supporting the voluntary sector and celebrating the people and organisations that make Lancashire such a remarkable county.

Big ambitions and plenty of enthusiasm at Accrington Woodnook Primary School!Six boys from Years 5 and 6 are preparing f...
16/10/2026

Big ambitions and plenty of enthusiasm at Accrington Woodnook Primary School!

Six boys from Years 5 and 6 are preparing for an International Men’s Day conference in November, where they’ll share their research about their chosen role model.

I was delighted to visit as High Sheriff and be interviewed by the group. We talked about my role, my background in Lancashire weaving and helping with the King’s Coronation screen.

But the real pleasure was hearing about their own aspirations for the future. Giving children the chance to ask questions, explore possibilities and talk about their ambitions is what this event is all about.

Thank you to the boys and their teachers for such a warm welcome. I look forward to seeing their finished project!

Hard work, visible results and something given back to the community.At Heyhouses on the Fylde coast, a Community Paybac...
13/10/2026

Hard work, visible results and something given back to the community.

At Heyhouses on the Fylde coast, a Community Payback team has been tackling unruly pampas grass and helping to tidy up the local surroundings.

I recently visited as High Sheriff and was impressed by the effort the men were putting in, with their Probation Service supervisors getting stuck in alongside them.

Community Payback means completing unpaid work as part of a sentence. From what I saw, it’s certainly no cushy number. It was encouraging to hear the men say they often receive positive comments from members of the public who appreciate their work.

Much of the Probation Service’s work happens out of public view. Here, you can see the difference it makes - ensuring sentences are carried out while delivering something useful for our communities.

Thank you to the supervisors and everyone working hard to improve the area.

A safe bed. A warm meal. Practical help. And, above all, love.I had a wonderful visit to Nightsafe Charity’s day centre ...
12/10/2026

A safe bed. A warm meal. Practical help. And, above all, love.

I had a wonderful visit to Nightsafe Charity’s day centre in Blackburn. Situated beside the railway station, it’s appropriately known as Platform 5.

Nicola Roscoe and her dedicated team of staff and volunteers have created a remarkably homely and welcoming environment for young people facing homelessness or a difficult period in their lives across East Lancashire and the Ribble Valley.

Across its services, Nightsafe provides beds for 27 young people every night. But its support extends far beyond accommodation. The team nurtures young people with food, practical help and love, supporting them towards secure, long-term housing and greater independence.

Nightsafe needs more support from donors, particularly local businesses and corporate partners, to continue this fantastic work. If your organisation is looking to make a real difference across our area, please consider getting involved.

Thank you to Nicola and the whole Nightsafe team for such a warm welcome – and for everything you do for vulnerable young people.

09/10/2026

One opportunity can change a life.

This inspiring story from Fylde Rugby Community Foundation shows what happens when local generosity is turned into practical support – creating friendship, confidence, better health and a real sense of belonging.

I recently attended the Community Foundation for Lancashire’s annual dinner, which brought together the donors, organisers and supporters whose generosity makes work like this possible across our county.

It was a wonderful opportunity to thank them for everything they do. By connecting people who want to give with charities that understand their communities, the Foundation helps many brilliant Lancashire organisations reach those who need them most.

Sam’s story is just one example – but it’s a powerful reminder of the difference thoughtful local giving can make.

Thank you to everyone involved in the Community Foundation for Lancashire and Lancashire Investors in Community.

“I can finally make my mum proud.”Those powerful words, shared with us as an example of what employment had meant to one...
07/10/2026

“I can finally make my mum proud.”

Those powerful words, shared with us as an example of what employment had meant to one man, captured the message of today’s Employ with Conviction event at HMP Kirkham.

The event encouraged businesses to employ people from open prisons through Release on Temporary Licence - helping them gain experience and move into lasting employment after release.

We heard that more than 80% of people leaving open prisons are in work six months later. Those working through the scheme also contribute part of their earnings to support victims of crime - raising £4.3 million across the UK last year.

Another story included the words of a mother who said: “I’ve got my son back.”

A business can give someone much more than a job - it can give them a career, a sense of purpose and the chance of a different future.

Thank you to everyone at HMP Kirkham, New Futures Network, Greenplant Ltd, GAP Group, HM Prison and Probation Service and the University of Lancashire for an inspiring day.

Young speakers. Big ideas. Brilliant debating! 👏What an impressive group of young people at the Fylde Primary Schools de...
07/10/2026

Young speakers. Big ideas. Brilliant debating! 👏

What an impressive group of young people at the Fylde Primary Schools debating event at the Town Hall. Their careful research, thoughtful arguments and confident delivery made helping to judge a real pleasure.

Thank you to the Mayor of Fylde, Councillor Richard Redcliffe, for his kind invitation.

A huge well done to all those taking part from:

🌟 Kirkham Grammar Junior School
🌟 AKS Lytham Prep School
🌟 Heyhouses Endowed Church of England Primary School
🌟 Freckleton Church of England Primary School
🌟 Clifton Primary School
🌟 Kirkham and Wesham Primary School
🌟 Lytham St Annes Mayfield Primary School
🌟 St Thomas’ Church of England Primary School

And thank you to the teachers and everyone behind the scenes who helped them prepare.

Keep asking questions, exploring ideas and making your voices heard! 💬

45 years of service. An extraordinary commitment. 👏Huge congratulations to Kenneth Seed from HMP Preston, whose remarkab...
06/10/2026

45 years of service. An extraordinary commitment. 👏

Huge congratulations to Kenneth Seed from HMP Preston, whose remarkable milestone was celebrated alongside colleagues receiving awards for 30, 35 and 40 years of service.

Held at HMP Kirkham, this first event of its kind brought together prison staff from Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire and Cumbria.

Behind every award are decades of demanding work, dedication to public safety and support for people trying to change their lives.

And behind those careers are families. It was wonderful that they were invited to witness the awards and share a well-deserved moment of pride.

I was delighted to present some of the awards. Thank you to everyone recognised, to their families and to the team at HMP Kirkham.

Tradition, service and a shared commitment to justice.The Judges’ Service at Manchester Cathedral marked the start of th...
05/10/2026

Tradition, service and a shared commitment to justice.

The Judges’ Service at Manchester Cathedral marked the start of the legal year, reminding us of the vital work our judiciary does to uphold justice and the rule of law across our nation.

We owe them a debt of thanks for the dedication, integrity and judgement they bring to that responsibility.

It was a great honour to join the High Sheriffs of Greater Manchester and Merseyside for this special occasion.

“Hold onto the belief that people can - and do - rehabilitate.”There was an extraordinarily powerful full-circle moment ...
03/10/2026

“Hold onto the belief that people can - and do - rehabilitate.”

There was an extraordinarily powerful full-circle moment at the Judges’ Service in Preston when David Dunn and Abby Harland from Release Mates shared their remarkable stories with the congregation.

Among those listening was the judge who had sentenced David to prison.

David explained how, after his release from HMP Preston in 2022, he returned as a volunteer and began helping men leaving custody with food, clothing, toiletries and practical support. From those first acts of kindness, Release Mates was born.

The organisation has now supported more than 3,000 people, travelled over 100,000 miles and delivered over 2,000 starter packs.

Abby spoke movingly about her own journey through decades of addiction and crime, finding somewhere she finally felt she belonged and becoming manager of the team. She has since established Release Mates Women - run by women who’ve been in prison, for women leaving prison.

For David to stand before the judge who sentenced him - not as a defendant, but as the founder of an inspirational organisation helping thousands of others rebuild their lives - was deeply moving.

It was a powerful reminder that justice must protect society and hold people accountable, but also leave room for rehabilitation, hope and second chances.

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Preston

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