High Sheriff

Dr Sally Burton DL joined the Hertfordshire Wives Fellowship on moving to Hertfordshire in 1985, chairing the group twice and organising the WF Autumn Conference at Hatfield House in 2010. She had the honour and privilege to be appointed the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire for 2022 to 2023.

At the end of her year, Sally gave a talk to the Herts WF on her time as High Sheriff.

As titular head of Law and Order and the administration of justice in the county, she was involved with the police, judiciary and courts, the Mount Prison, emergency services and voluntary groups and charities across the county of Hertfordshire.

She carried out over 500 engagements, gave over 100 speeches, wore her court dress 215 times and travelled more miles than she could record.

Her focus on addiction to drugs & alcohol led to a Symposium (now confirmed as an annual event) hosted by the University of Hertfordshire, where all relevant agencies come together to raise awareness and create strategies to deal with the impact of this increasing and serious problem.

She even sponsored a police dog named Sheriff.

On the death of the late HM Queen Elizabeth II, it was her duty as High Sheriff to proclaim to Hertfordshire the accession to the throne of King Charles III. It was a proud but poignant moment.

“My year as High Sheriff gave me a unique opportunity to reach out to the people of Hertfordshire, particularly those affected so badly by the pandemic, to convene, link, promote and thank individuals, communities and volunteers. Creating the annual University Symposium on Drugs & Alcohol is my legacy after representing the Monarch in this office that has existed for over 1,000 years.”