High Sheriff of Cheshire installed at Bunbury Church

A retired barrister from Bunbury has been installed as the High Sheriff of Cheshire.

Jeannie France-Hayhurst was appointed to the office, which dates to Saxon times, at a service at St Boniface Church in the village on Sunday, April 10, led by Rev Tim Hayward.

Jeannie practised Family Law in the North West and North Wales and since her retirement has focused on community organisations and promoting art, literature and music in Cheshire.  She serves on the University of Chester’s governing council and is a trustee of the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital charity.

Jeannie said: “Every child deserves a bright future and I look forward to meeting groups and organisations which help build resilience and confidence in the next generation.”

Cheshire Community Foundation, which supports a wide range of charities across the county, is Jeannie’s chosen charity for her year in office and a highlight of her fundraising activities will be a spectacular musical concert at Chester Cathedral on Friday, July 8 to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Platinum Proms, hosted by broadcaster and former Chester MP Gyles Brandreth with musical direction by Matt Baker, will showcase the wealth of musical talent from Cheshire including opera duo Belle Voci, Cheshire choirs, Farndon Brass Band, students from The Hammond and Chester recovery company Fallen Angels Dance Theatre.

Jeannie said: “Supporting Cheshire Community Foundation gives me the opportunity to reach the amazing small charities and voluntary groups who work across Cheshire and Warrington to help those that need it.

“The past couple of years have been a challenge for so many and the concert will give us all the chance to celebrate live music, each other’s company and The Queen’s spectacular 70 years on the British throne.”

Jeannie lives in Bunbury with husband James and they have four children and 10 grandchildren. In her spare time Jeannie sings with Tarporley choir Decibellas, who will also appear at the concert, and is a keen gardener.

Jeannie France-Hayhurst is one of 55 new High Sheriffs who will be installed in counties and cities all over the UK in the forthcoming weeks.  They are all appointed by Her Majesty the Queen for a year to promote the wellbeing and prosperity of their region, to keep the peace, uphold the law and support the Judiciary.

Pictured - High Sheriff of Cheshire Jeannie France-Hayhurst.