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Kay Marriott JP. High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight
July 31, 2024
The former High Sheriff Kay Marriott JP. 2022-2023
‘Large opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day’. Sally Koch
I have had an incredible year celebrating my theme INSPIRE TO ASPIRE, my aim being to highlight the work of people and organisations who dedicate their time to
supporting others. After the pandemic years, I also wanted to continue raising the profile of the High Sheriffs role within the community.
I have spent time with the emergency services on land and water; they all made me feel so welcome and I found it very informative observing front-line work, dedication,
quick decision making and compassion.
It has been a massive honour sitting in the courts, and my Crown Court experience came to a fitting conclusion when I gave an award by order of the Crown Court, made under section 28 of the Criminal Law Act 1826 by His Honour Judge Mousley KC, to two gentlemen who showed great courage leading to the arrest and conviction of a criminal.
I have had the pleasure to visit and learn from a vast range of charities, spending time with young people, and their incredible leaders, who ensure young people have a voice. It was particularly inspiring to visit Vectis Radio 4 Ps project working with young people with additional needs and how their project was commended in the National Crime beat Awards. A credit to them and the Island.
I was also invited to attend citizenship ceremonies for those taking the oath to become UK nationals, along with meeting the Indonesian community and sampling their wonderful food at the Indonesian day, a colourful event with dancing and talks about their beautiful countries, also being asked to open the Diwali festival of light, was a real treat. A special privilege. It was great fun to be involved with the Equals group when they were preparing to take part in the carnivals.
What a pleasure it was to meet our Polish community and speak with Ukrainians and how their lives had literally been saved by kind Island residents who threw open their doors to them.
It was lovely to meet them all and thank them for enriching our culture by sharing theirs.
The list goes on; I have managed to thank many and through social media raise their profile and that of the High Sheriff with positive feedback, for which I am most grateful.
It was overwhelming to see the residents of the island’s response to people needs, the incredible work being done across the island with warm spaces, food larders and friendship groups popping up in many areas through local organisations, charities and even in peoples’ homes.
One of the things which has really humbled me is the number of volunteers we have on have on the island. In all sorts of ways, people give up their time freely to support others and make the Island a special place to live.
I am not a ‘tin shaker’, fundraising isn’t my strength, however through various sources: donations; legal service; monies for giving talks I was able to top up the High Sheriff’s Trust, donating to several grassroot charities.
I think sometimes it is underestimated, as it is difficult to quantify, but the role, although only ceremonial, is most definitely respected and needed in the community, a role that unites people creating a connection from which they will benefit.
"For leisure or otherwise the Island is so diverse and rich in culture, history, outdoor activities, and community interests to suit all. Many speak of the Island as a special place with people who are community spirited, looking out for each other. There are several organisations and charities who have hundreds of volunteers - some people volunteer for many different ones, giving their time freely to enrich the lives of others - not only sharing their time but their interests and their cultures. Many people who have moved here remark on their sense of belonging and how welcoming the Island communities are.
Along with the Lord Lieutenant my role as the Island’s High Sheriff has been to actively support and celebrate the work of our volunteers."
Kay Marriott JP.
Former High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight
