A new High Sheriff has been appointed for the County of Somerset.
On Sunday on 24th March 2019 a Legal Service was held at Wells Cathedral where the reins of this historical post were past from outgoing High Sheriff Denis Burn to Johnnie Halliday. This follows Johnnie`s declaration as the Sovereigns Legal representative in the county for law and order.
Asked about his one-year appointment, Johnnie commented “This is a great honour and I look forward to serving all parts of Somerset and supporting all elements of the judiciary and police. I also want to learn about, encourage and recognise the many good causes and volunteers across our county. My particular focus will be to provide continuity with the great start that Denis Burn has launched via the Somerset Crimebeat Trust Unlocking Potential initiative. This is a proven programme from South Bristol and is aimed at 13/14-year olds from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
Johnnie added; “The aim of Unlocking Potential is to encourage those who receive less support at home than their peers, to help them find pathways into apprenticeships. Working with schools, colleges and parents or guardians, the goal is to improve the self-confidence of this generally underperforming group and motivate them into finding rewarding futures. The specific programme is based around public speaking, outbound days and interaction with business and apprentices.”
Johnnie was brought up in Somerset and continues to live in his family`s home near Taunton. Most of his business career has been spent in various commercial and executive roles in the asset finance, lending and software related industry in London and internationally.
Since leaving full time work in summer 2018, Johnnie has established an independent consultancy for the leasing and finance industry.
In 2017 he was Chair of industry networking and charitable trust, The Asset Finance Professionals Association, which raises money for smaller charities. He continues to serve as a trustee and volunteer.
At home he is involved in the family farming and property business. Johnnie is an active supporter of Somerset Crimebeat Trust, the High Sheriffs Charity focusing on preventing youth crime.
Johnnie is married to Sian and they have two recently married sons Will and Tom. He enjoys nothing more than family, social and sporting occasions walking with dogs, playing tennis or golf, watching rugby in Bath and cricket at the County Ground in Taunton.
About the Office of High Sheriff
High Sheriffs in England and Wales are appointed for one year as the Queen’s legal representative in the County. The office is over 1000 years old in origin. Today the High Sheriff supports High Court Judges, Police, Prison, Probation and many other Public Services.
High Sheriff`s attend on the Royal Family on visits to the County. An important role for the High Sheriffs is to support and encourage the voluntary sector across the county and from time to time recognise their achievements with High Sheriff Awards.
As an independent and non-political office, the High Sheriff can bring together a wide variety of people in the community to help improve many aspects of life in the county.
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