On Sunday we went to Wansford to meet up with the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire.

He was doing a 10 mile walk in aid of his charity and we went along to support him.

I knew nothing about the High Sheriff, his charity or what his job involves, but thanks to Jane who runs the charity I now know a  little more about it all..

This is what she had to say…….

“As you may know, High Sheriffs are appointed each year in the counties of England and Wales. The Office of High Sheriff is at least 1,000 years old, having its roots in Saxon times, before the Norman Conquest.  High Sheriffs are responsible for duties conferred by the Crown, including attendance at Royal visits to the county and the protection of Her Majesty’s High Court Judges when on Circuit in the county. a personal responsibility for fundraising throughout their year in office.  The money raised is used in the High Sheriff’s Award Scheme.  The High Sheriff’s Award Scheme was set up in Cambridgeshire over 10 years ago to recognise achievement and give grants to projects which enable young people to make a positive contribution to their communities.

In addition to their official duties, High Sheriffs take on

The current High Sheriff (Colonel Peter Horrell) who you met today, decided to raise money for the High Sheriff Award Scheme by undertaking a sponsored walk – which you took part in today!.  The training Peter undertook was part of his recovery to full health following the donation of a kidney in early July 2007.

My charity, Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, manages the High Sheriff’s Award Scheme – background on CCF is on website  –  www.cambscf.org.uk“

There was 10 of us altogether and the walk took us from Wansford into  Peterborough Cathedral  ,we walked along the Nene river which was very nice.

The High Sheriff’s mother provided us with much welcome coffee and biscuits at the half way mark.

A very enjoyable walk with some very interesting people and the Sheriff kept up a fast pace for some one recovering from a kidney donation.