County Council shells out for sheriff's shield ceremony

Time for Robin or (Robyn) Hood
to make a stand?

Lancashire's High Sheriff will officially mark the beginning of his year in office with a
traditional shield hanging ceremony at Lancaster Castle.

While we're told the ceremony is steeped in more than 100 years of history and tradition, here at virtual-lancaster we do wonder, however, just how much this shindig will cost at a time when the County Council is implementing swingeing spending cuts.

The event, which takes place next week, on Friday 10th June, will see Mr Peter Mileham, the new High Sheriff of Lancashire, hang his shield in the magnificent gothic setting of the Shire Hall.

Mr Mileham, current Deputy Lieutenant, will present his own shield to Mr Gordon Johnson, Deputy Lieutenant, the Constable of Lancaster Castle.

The shield, featuring a unique design will then be hung in the Shire Hall - alongside those of previous High Sheriffs.

This ceremony takes place amid a backdrop of colour and spectacular costume with a fanfare of music and trumpets.

"I'm honoured to represent the courts and local government as the High Sheriff of Lancashire," said Peter Mileham, High Sheriff of Lancashire. "This ceremony goes back around a hundred years and it is great to be hanging the latest shield and continuing an important tradition.

"I will also be delighted to greet other important civic leaders at the event."

With the County Council recently announcing swingeing cuts, we wonder, though, if Robin Hood will be on hand to question the cost of the ceremony?