New High Sheriff of Norfolk announced as Cockley Cley Hall resident

The new High Sheriff of Norfolk has been declared this week as part of a tradition dating back to the 10th century.

Georgina Roberts took on the position following a conference call with the relevant officials.

She replaces Clare Agnew, Lady Agnew of Oulton, in the role and lives at Cockley Cley Hall in Swaffham.

Lady Roberts said: “These are certainly not the circumstances in which I expected to start my time as High Sheriff.

“However, my intention for the role was always to focus on building a safe and strong community.

“That is more important now than ever before. Therefore, I will be liaising with the police and law enforcement agencies to see what support can be offered as they respond to the current situation.”

The role of the High Sheriff was traditionally one of law and order, protecting judges and collecting taxes.

It is now more focused on unearthing the great work that is already happening in the county, shining a light on it and connecting communities and authorities in the process.

Brought up in rural Wales, Lady Roberts was the daughter of a dairy farmer.

Having met and married Samuel Roberts in 1977, she moved to Cockley Cley, which is the Roberts' family home, in 1985. She now has four children and seven grandchildren.

She continues to work with the Swaffham and Litcham Hospice, and was made a Deputy Lieutenant of the Norfolk Chairman of the Country Land and Business Association in 2013 having already become the first female chairman.

An artist herself, Lady Roberts also worked with the Tate and Wallace Collection in London as a guide and lecturer for 20 years.