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A Month of Service High Sheriff Susannah Fish Reflects on a Vibrant June in Rutland
"Variety is the spice of life," a sentiment that High Sheriff of Rutland, Susannah Fish, proved to be an understatement as she recounted a whirlwind month of June. Her latest report offers a vivid window into the multifaceted responsibilities of the role, showcasing a relentless commitment to community engagement, advocacy, and the celebration of the county’s unique spirit.
The month was characterised by an incredible range of interactions, beginning with a visit to the Air Ambulance at its Coventry base alongside Cadet Izzy. This vital service, which provides essential support to the community, is currently managing a significant transition as it prepares for an ambitious move to a new site at Catthorpe. This spirit of community support extended to the arts, education, and local recreation, as the High Sheriff spent time with the Riding for the Disabled, attended the Dr. Astley Clarke Commemoration at Lyddington Church, and even tried her hand at archery during the Bowmen of Rutland Open Day. She also took part in the 13th CAMRA Beer Festival at the County Museum, where she humorously noted that a first-aider had to come to her rescue with iced water to combat the extreme heat.
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Beyond the social calendar, the High Sheriff utilised her platform for serious advocacy and change. A particularly poignant portion of her month was spent listening to survivors of domestic abuse. These encounters, she noted, were deeply impactful and have provided her with substantial "food for thought" regarding how the office of High Sheriff can better offer value and support to survivors and their families. This commitment to tangible results was mirrored in her efforts to leverage the "convening power" of her office. She hosted a high-energy, multi-agency workshop at the Showground, bringing together all six secondary schools in the county, along with the police and voluntary sectors, to address youth anti-social behavior. The meeting concluded with concrete commitments and a scheduled follow-up for December to track their progress.
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The High Sheriff’s June also served as a powerful reminder of the county's deep-rooted military connections. Through her attendance at the Veterans Breakfast Club, the Flag Raising at Oakham Castle, and the formal Sunset Ceremony at RAF Wittering, she emphasised the importance of acknowledging the ongoing service and sacrifice of armed forces personnel and their families. This theme of service was woven throughout her entire month, whether she was presenting trophies to a local primary school cricket team, honoring police officers at the Long Service Awards, or engaging with the Sikh community at the Gurdwara Vadbhag Singh Ji Community Day.
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Reflecting on a busy, and at times sweltering, month, the High Sheriff offered a lighthearted suggestion that the High Sheriff’s Association might need to modernise its guidance on "Court Dress" to better accommodate the realities of a warming climate. In closing, she extended her gratitude to her Chaplain, Rev’d Peter Collins, Undersheriff Peter Lawson, Cadet Izzy, and her consort, James. Ultimately, her June reflected the true essence of the county’s motto: Multum in Parvo much in little. It is evident that under the leadership of Susana Fish, the office of High Sheriff remains a dynamic and vital pillar, deeply connected to the heart of the Rutland community.
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