The new High Sheriff of Lancashire has been sworn in – by Zoom!

The High Sheriff of Lancashire takes on her role at a swearing in ceremony on Zoom

The new High Sheriff of Lancashire has made history in becoming the first to be sworn in to the role by video conferencing.

Mrs Catherine Penny was sworn in to the role from the comfort of her own home, due to social distancing measures currently in place.

Advertisements

Each year Her Majesty The Queen personally appoints the High Sheriff of Lancashire and a swearing in ceremony takes place in Lancashire.

The office of High Sheriff is an unpaid and voluntary role, dating back to the reign of Henry II.

Catherine has held a number of roles in the voluntary sector, and is currently the Chairman of the Shepherd Street Trust, a Preston-based charity, which provides funding for children and young people in need of assistance.

Advertisements

She takes over the office from the incumbent High Sheriff, The Honourable Ralph C Assheton TD DL.

Speaking following the ceremony, Catherine said: “I feel honoured to take up the role of High Sheriff, especially as the first person to have been sworn-in using digital technology due to these unprecedented times.

“We all owe a tremendous amount to key workers, who are working in these very difficult circumstances and are having to cope with new situations, especially people in the NHS, carers, the police and other emergency services.

“As life gets back to normal once again, I’ll be looking to highlight the best of our county, including the work of voluntary groups and young people, who have supported others during these difficult times.”