16 April 2014
Sarah Clubley, Solicitor and Director of Williamsons Solicitors, who have offices in Hull, Driffield and Bridlington, was on 11 April 2014 made the Under Sheriff for Hull and the East Riding. Sarah is the first woman to hold the appointment in its 1000 year history and is Under Sheriff this year to the High Sheriff of Hull and East Riding Mrs Gail Mettyear, whose husband Michael Mettyear is the Honorary Recorder of Hull.
The Declaration Ceremony on 11 April 2014 was held at Hull Crown Court. The ceremony was packed with invited guests including the Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council Susan Cunliffe-Lister, dignitaries and members of the Judiciary and legal profession.
The Under Sheriff represents continuity in the office of High Sheriff and provides help and guidance to the High Sheriff. The Under Sheriff is treated as deputy for the High Sheriff in all matters apart from the Returning Officer at Parliamentary Elections.
The High Sheriff is the oldest Royal Appointment and the modern day High Sheriff has a different role to that of its ancient ancestors. It is an independent, non-political Royal Appointment for a single year. The High Sheriff supports the Crown and the Judiciary and actively lends support and encouragement to Crime Prevention Agencies, Emergency Services and the voluntary sector. High Sheriffs have been particularly involved in encouraging crime reduction initiatives especially amongst young people and assists community foundations and local charities working vulnerable and other people and helps to raise the profile of valuable work.
The High Sheriff is the personal ambassador for Hull and East Riding and will provide support for the Royal Family when they attend, represent at formal functions, support High Court Judges and the role of the Lord Lieutenant and officiate over citizenship ceremonies. The High Sheriff receives no remuneration and no part of the expense of the High Sheriff falls on the public purse.
Sarah Clubley and her family originate from Driffield and she attended Driffield School. Sarah said she was honoured to accept the role of Under Sheriff for Hull and East Riding and to date the role has proved very interesting. Sarah considers herself extremely fortunate to have been appointed.
