Shropshire - meet the latest High Sheriff in town

Dr Josh Dixey, the first doctor to take on the role for the year ahead, takes over from Rhoddy Swire and is all set to serve Shropshire well.

Indeed the county is fortunate that for so many years we have seen those qualities in good measure from our High Sheriffs and there are good reasons to think that will remain the case as the years roll on.

When Dr Josh was formally installed in Shrewsbury Castle, he was writing another page in Shrieval history and his story joins the endless list of so many others gone before.

When I first met him, we began our chat on a chuckle over fruit cake and tea as I discovered I was entertaining the As a 14-year-old, he changed his name from Jeremy to Josh and since then no-one, except for his mother, has called him Jeremy.

Now, of course, everyone can call him High Sheriff!

And that is something which he already values very much.

Indeed he is both ‘honoured and delighted’ as he takes on the role he never expected.

Over fruit cake and tea, he says: “When I was first asked to stand for High Sheriff it was like a bolt out of the blue and was such a surprise. Of course it’s a huge honour to take up the post. But life is full of surprises isn’t it?

Happiness

“For instance when I came to work in Shropshire, I had never thought in a million years that I would do that and settle in the county.”

But now, Josh Dixey willingly faces the challenge of how he might best use this year, the first doctor to have held the position and well aware that his own particular skills, strengths and interests can be used wherever possible for the benefit of the county’s communities.

He says: “I think everything that we all achieve anywhere is worth acknowledging. And if I can bring a bit of happiness as well, perhaps I can also help so there won’t be as much negativity about so many things.”

He added thoughtfully: “I think I look at my new role as a facilitator in helping achieve that.”

Josh also reflects on the wider use for the greater good of such positions in general and an infectious enthusiasm that any part he might be able to play really should make a difference and adds: “I would like to encourage those charities which help other people to achieve. It might be medical matters, might be business but it’s clear that the State and the NHS for instance simply can’t provide everything.

“And Shropshire has a reputation of helping and supporting groups and people who are doing their best for others. But I am quite open minded about where I might help, though I am keen to highlight the good work so many are doing at the moment and I hope, because of my medical background, I might be able to help in particular ways.

“Incidentally, it is also an added privilege for me to become High Sheriff in the year in the transition from one Lord Lieutenant to another.”

He refers of course to the retirement of Sir Algy Heber-Percy after 24 years and the appointment of Anna Turner, Shropshire’s first female Lord Lieutenant.

On a wider front, Dr Josh adds: “This is such a lovely county that I also think a lot of people retire early and move here. And so you get so much better value for your money than down South, don’t you? And so there are many still active people who support charities and other causes,” the new Sheriff says. And that, of course, is good news.

So as you can see, elegant though they mostly are, it’s not all about the velvets and lace or military uniforms which the High Sheriffs – of both sexes - usually wear.

So let’s have a look at the background and the distinguished medical career in which Josh Dixey has already been involved. And to which he is so committed that he is not yet looking to retire himself, indeed he plans to carry on working in a ‘managed’ way through his year in office.

The job description for the High Sheriff demands that the incumbent make a “meaningful contribution” to their county during a year in office. The must lend “active support” to the county’s executive bodies, including the Royal Family, judiciary, and police force, look after visiting High Court Judges, and promote the voluntary sector in the county.

A well known and respected rheumatologist, Josh is largely based nowadays in the county and in Wolverhampton. But his involvement in and reputation within his profession, reaches out much farther afield than that.

And so does his early education. As a pupil at Shrewsbury School, he got to know a lot about the county, though still recognises how big it is to visit.

He came back to Shropshire in 1989 to a position at the Orthopaedic Hospital – a “wonderful hospital” – and has lived here ever since. He also has wide connections locally in the world of education, including Moreton Hall and Packwood schools.

While his knowledge of the specialist side of rheumatology and arthritis is impressive – both locally and on the national scene.

Special

Josh says: “I was much involved with Future Fit in the early days and delighted that it seems to be coming to a conclusion.”

Pressure has been on to make sure ‘two vibrant hospitals’ and the wide range of services they provide for people locally, are at least kept in the county.

Dr Josh was also involved in a merger between Cannock Chase Hospital and New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton and his contribution to the health of the county is already significant. Family-wise, he and wife Diana enjoy life in their Shropshire countryside home and are very proud of their family.

Josh says: “Charles who is 34, works in shipping in Hong Kong, Piers is 32 and a chest physician who has just become engaged to Lily and 27-years-old Iona is a financial analyst.” Impressive stuff!

While the new High Sheriff adds: “And Diana has belonged to the Shrewsbury branch of the League of Friends for at least 15 years.”

So that’s the Dixey family currently in place on the county map. And each new Sheriff also has the great advantage, absolute support and wise advice of our Under Sheriff, Madeleine Butcher.

But what does this ancient role – older even than the Monarchy – mean today for those chosen to join the pretty impressive list of High Sheriffs down the ages?

Well main formal duties include attendance at royal visits in the county and support for Her Majesty’s High Court Judges when they are out on their Circuits. However, many of those roles have moved on. Shropshire for instance no longer has visits from the High Court Judges and the premises available to them, now have very different uses.

What does remain, even increases, is that the Sheriffs play an increasingly active and supportive role within their counties, especially where police and emergency services are concerned and in encouragement to public sector agencies like probation and prison services, as well as to voluntary sector bodies who are involved in crime reduction and what you might call social cohesion.

And so, the holder of the office of High Sheriff, can be well placed to offer encouragement to those in their county who are engaged in supporting the voluntary sector and those most in need.

Many High Sheriffs give their personal awards to individuals, often unsung heroes within small voluntary groups, who have made an outstanding contribution in some way. As the office is independent and non-political, High Sheriffs are able to bring together a wide range of people within the various communities.

And Josh Dixey is determined to do the very best he can for the county he now serves in this special way.