After being selected by The King in a ‘pricking ceremony’ – reported to date back as far as Queen Elizabeth the 1st; Wade Cleone Lyn CBE CD DL, was inaugurated as the West Midlands High Sheriff on Tuesday the 28th of March.
Over 100 family, friends and dignitaries attended the Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts in Birmingham to witness the inauguration of the new High Sheriff of The West Midlands.
The signing ceremony took place in the Judges Lounge and was presided over by The Hon Mr Justice Pepperall. This was witnessed by the High Sheriff’s guests Ms Cleo Lyn, Ms Jean Lyn and the Acting High Commissioner for Jamaica Mrs Patrice Laird-Grant, the Lord-Lieutenant, Sir John Crabtree CBE & Lady Crabtree and the incoming Chaplain, Bishop Dr Joe Aldred.
The signing party then proceeded to court number 9 where the outgoing Sheriff, former Olympian and World Record Holder, David Moorcroft was present to pass on the ‘High Sheriff’ baton.7 Mayors covering Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Dudley and Walsall were in attendance to welcome the new High Sheriff.
Outgoing High Sheriff, David Moorcroft OBE, sent his sincere thanks to the people and communities of the West Midlands for supporting him through a fantastic year as the High Sheriff of the County of West Midlands. David said ”It has been a huge honour for me to serve the West Midlands as High Sheriff over the last 12-months and the memories of the people and communities I have met will remain with me always. “The year has been bitter-sweet - starting with the celebrations of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, followed not long after by the incredibly sad passing of Her Late Majesty.
“I want to wish Wade Lyn all the very best for his year in office and I am sure the people of the West Midlands will be just as welcoming as they have been for me." Post ceremony refreshments were served at the Birmingham Conservatoire, accompanied by live music played on the Steel Pan Drums. When asked about his new role as High Sheriff Wade said “This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the communities I will be representing.
"I intend to shine a light on the West Midlands region and showcase its rich heritage and bright future, celebrating the countless individuals whose innovation, talent and creativity make this region so great. My first act of office today has been to award my West Midlands Police and St Johns Ambulance cadets with a High Sheriff medal. These young people have started to help me shape my plans for the forthcoming year – more on those events soon!”
