Ancient county role for Tom

Tom is married to Miki, they have two children and run a mixed farm at Mindrum on the northern edge of The Cheviots. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, he was sworn in on Saturday at Mindrum in a private ceremony.

The High Sheriff made his declaration and oath before His Honour Judge Paul Sloan and Lady Harriet Joicey then handed over her badge of office as the retiring High Sheriff.

Judge Sloan then invited the High Sheriff to appoint his Under Sheriff, Harry Chrisp, and Chaplain, Rev Canon Alan Hughes, after which The Lord Joicey handed over the badge of Sheriff Consort to Mrs Miki Fairfax.

Tom has also worked in information security since the early 1990s, following service with the British Army in Armoured Reconnaissance (serving with the 9th/12th Royal Lancers and The Queen’s Own Yeomanry).

Since 2000, he has served as a member of the Land Information Assurance Group.

He said: “We are experiencing interesting times, which are as challenging as any for at least a generation.

“I firmly believe that the need for this role is as great as ever before and my principle task is to find a model through which to deliver this role and its responsibilities.

“This is a challenge that I relish.”

The Office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular office in the United Kingdom after the Crown, dating from Saxon times. The role of the independent, non-political Royal appointment for one year includes encouraging crime reduction initiatives, especially amongst young people, and being involved with community foundations and local charities.

Rev Canon Hughes said: “I have known Tom for almost 30 years, seen him operate in many areas, possessing a mind sharper than any sword, and his warm personality radiates into any sphere which he enters, his enthusiasm infectious.

“He is a lateral thinker and will recalibrate his year and help strengthen Northumberland through these times, supported by Miki.”