What an invigorating day and
one culminating in equal measures of exhilaration and reward. Not only to me personally. I believe society will also benefit.
I
refer, of course, to the Swearing-In of the new High Sheriff. He will prove to be a most worthy appointment,
of that I am certain, hence my unshakable backing of his tenure.
It
is high time a traditionalist returned to office. Last year some do-gooder more akin to left
wing shenanigans than solemnity and duty took on this historic role. Indeed, I can still barely believe that the
incumbent was of female variety. Thank
heavens society’s equilibrium has now been restored.
In
addition, I am also pleased that the new High Sheriff acted upon my recommendation
of a military tailor. True, the premises
of the custom clothier, being on the far side of the county, involved a lengthy
journey but, frankly, the resulting velvet jacket and breeches, gauntlet cuffs,
three pointed pocket flaps and black hose were worth every mile. HS cut quite a dashing figure, in fact. His choice of gloves - cotton in preference
to kid - I will continue to question, yet he kept a firm hand on his cocked hat
so I could ask for no more.
The
County Assizes based ceremony was brief by official standards.Thankfully the
weather proved loyal for the town parade which followed. Some citizens unfortunately appeared to regard
the procession as nothing more than an opportunity to stare without restraint
or respect. I understand such behaviour
is quite commonplace nowadays.
By
way of support to our new High Sheriff, I insisted on offering Farthing Hall as
a venue for the obligatory Reception which followed. Members of the judiciary were in attendance,
along with the Under Sheriff, one or two of our more respectable Councillors, several
business entrepreneurs with a leaning to charity affiliation and the Editor-in-Chief
of our local newspaper consortium. I
trust the latter will carry front page coverage of the event in next week’s
edition.
Despite
HS’s suggestion for a casual gathering, he eventually relented at my proposal
of a formal luncheon. These occasions
should, after all, be marked appropriately. As I pointed out, it is not within everyone’s capability to juggle
canapés and drinks whilst conversing in intellectual dialogue. Particularly if they have failed to benefit from
attendance at Finishing School.
The
afternoon concluded with a speech from the High Sheriff. He really is rather eloquent, a point I
mentioned to him prior to my suggestion for regular monthly
gatherings. I would, after all, be
pleased to retain my association with, and offer guidance to, this figurehead of
our community.
He
appeared delighted at my proposal. Yet
being such early days he currently felt unable to commit to a date.
