The ceremony took place at Gloucester Cathedral following the traditional procession from the city’s Law Courts to the Cathedral.
The three Cotswold Lion sheep, Valerie, Ursula, and Robert, were included to celebrate the county’s rural heritage, which Dame Fiona has pledged to champion during her term of office. They were provided by NFU members the Parkes family from Stow-on-the-Wold.
Dame Fiona also asked for a tractor to be parked outside the Cathedral. This was kindly supplied by Julian Morgan and manoeuvred into position by deputy county chair Chris North. County chair Liz Godsell and council delegate Allison Ractliffe attended the service.
The role of the High Sheriff, the origins of which date back more than 1,000 years, is for one year. High Sherriffs support the judiciary, the emergency services, voluntary organisations, and community initiatives throughout the county.
Liz Godsell, Chris North and Allison Ractliffe with the tractor outside the Cathedral
Dame Fiona intends to use her term of office to champion rural Gloucestershire.
“With a lifetime’s love of the countryside, and many years working to champion it, I am keen to use my year as High Sheriff to shine a spotlight on the many challenges and opportunities facing rural areas,” she said.
“From global issues such as climate change, nature loss, and sustainable food production, to local pressures such as the need for affordable housing and rural services, there is so much to explore, share, and learn from.”
Dame Fiona will also attend events in the county throughout the year and has planned a series of monthly public walks to explore all aspects and areas of rural Gloucestershire.
County adviser Katie Davies said: “We were pleased to help bring farming to the service and look forward to working with the High Sheriff over the coming year.”