The newly appointed High Sheriff of Northumberland aims to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people post-Covid by providing creative pursuits and opportunities.
Joanna Riddell, the founder of Stamfordham visual arts destination Cheeseburn Sculpture and of the Gillian Dickinson Young North East Sculptor of the Year Award, has been installed into the position.
The role of High Sheriff dates back to Saxon England, when the role was to oversee and maintain law and order locally.
Nowadays, it’s an independent non-political Royal appointment and a new sheriff is nominated and installed each year. Their duty is to support the charity and voluntary sector, including raising funds for The High Sheriff of Northumberland’s Awards Scheme.