ALMOST 40 years to the day after his father was sworn into the office, Philip Debell Tuckett, of Milton Abbot, on Tuesday became the new High Sheriff of Devon.
At a ceremony in Tavistock Town Hall Mr Tuckett said he wanted to promote West Devon and would like to see the rural parts of the area recover and prosper after the problems of foot and mouth.
He had been nominated by Sir Simon Day, who held the position four years ago, whom he said had guided him ?with vigour? towards the day.
Mr Tuckett said he was being sworn in 40 years after his father was sworn into the office, and had the same hat, sword and other items.
Mr Tuckett, 58, who is married with three children, attended Harrow School and the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester. He has been a reader in the Church of England at Buckland Monachorum Church since 1987 and in 1991 went to Canada, where he obtained a Diploma in Christian Studies.
As well as being the owner of land and a farmer, Mr Tuckett is a director of Endsleigh Hotel and Fishing Club Ltd and of Gunnislake Fisheries Ltd.
Mr Tuckett, who lived at Buckland Monachorum before moving to Milton Abbot, was sworn in by Mrs Juliet Sutton-Scott-Tucker, chairman of Devon and Cornwall Care Direct, which is the new High Sheriff?s chosen charity for the year.
The charity supports probation and police service projects and is currently raising £50,000 per year for a domestic violence co-ordinator in the county.
The work of Devon Crimebeat, led by PC Simon Dell, formerly Tavistock?s community constable, will also continue to be supported as the ongoing charity supported by each High Sheriff.
His chaplain is the Rev Christopher Hughes, who was vicar of Bridestowe and Buckland Monachorum, and is currently Rector of Ballater and Aboyne in Aberdeenshire.
A high sheriff is appointed by the Crown. The office was once one of great power, which is why the term was limited to one year in 1340. It is now mainly a ceremonial role. Responsibilities include the execution of High Court writs, the care of High Court judges, presenting awards to those apprehending offenders and being the official returning officer at elections.