In his final week as High Sheriff of East Sussex, Major General John Moore-Bick paid a visit to Rye Harbour lifeboat station accompanied by his wife, Anne, and his assigned Brighton police cadet Emily Mabbott, on Sunday March 17.
The office of High Sheriff has existed since the Middle Ages. Over time the role has evolved and today can be summarised as lending active support to the judiciary, the police and other law-enforcement agencies, ensuring the welfare of High Court judges and representing the Royal Family in Sussex, in support of the Lord Lieutenant.
Promoting the work of voluntary organisations is a key element of the work and, as the High Sheriff explained when thanking volunteer crew members at the station: “It is difficult to think of an organisation doing more for the good of the people of Sussex than the RNLI at stations such as this one.”
Major General Moore-Bick was born in Stonegate and now lives in Ewhurst Green. His military career has encompassed the Royal Artillery, the Royal Engineers and the Royal Marines and has involved posts in various countries: he speaks German, Serbian and Italian. The principle of service has informed his life and he was already a Deputy Lieutenant of Sussex when he was selected as this year’s High Sheriff.
In the course of this year’s duties he has travelled thousands of miles and attended hundreds of engagements. “What I have consistently enjoyed,” he says, “has been the opportunity to support and affirm all those who, in one way or another, contribute to the good of our society.”
The High Sheriff was interested to see part of the weekly training programme at the Harbour, to listen to the views and experiences of crew members and to learn more about Hello Herbie II, the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat. His commendation of the work being done to help save lives at sea was well received and all who met him would surely agree with the verdict of police cadet Emily, as she nears the end of her assignment: “I couldn’t have asked for a nicer couple to work with than John and Anne – they are kind, generous and gracious.”
Image Credits: Martin Bruce .