Graham Barker was sworn in as the new High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire at Reading Crown Court on 27th March 2018. The ceremony, which is rooted in ancient tradition, was presided over by Lord Hughes of Ombersley, a Justice of the Supreme Court, together with Mrs Elizabeth Harrison, Chairman of the Berkshire Bench. Mr Jonathan Gater was also sworn in as Under Sheriff.
The ceremony was attended by the Lord Lieutenant, Mr James Puxley; the Vice Lord Lieutenant, Mr Jeffrey Branch; the Resident Judge of Reading Crown Court, Her Honour Judge Cutts QC; His Honour Judge Dugdale; His Honour Judge Nott; Her Honour Judge Morris; the Chief Constable of the Thames valley, Mr Francis Habgood; the Police and Crime Commissioner, Mr Anthony Stansfield, Mayoral representatives from Berkshire’s unitary authorities; Deputy Lieutenants Lady Catherine Stevenson and Mr Christopher Khoo; former Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Mrs Jeremy Baylis. The Revd Richard Cowles, formerly Vicar of Bray, who has been appointed to the role of the High Sheriff’s Chaplain, also attended along with other distinguished guests.