HARLOW welcomed the High Sheriff of Essex, Simon Brice DL, as he went on a tour of the town on Tuesday 19 October 2021.

Simon Brice is the High Sheriff of Essex for 2021 to 2022. He is the 841st High Sheriff of Essex. The role of High Sheriffs in England is now largely ceremonial. A great part of the High Sheriff’s year is taken up with supporting and encouraging those engaged in public service and the voluntary sector, particularly in connection with law and order, public safety, and crime prevention. Simon’s priorities for his year of office includes domestic abuse, modern slavery, county lines, mental health and rural crime.

Following a welcome reception at the Education Centre in the Town Park the High Sheriff was taken on a tour of Pets’ Corner and then popped into the visit the Men’s Community Shed project in the park. This project provides a safe place for those who may be socially isolated or suffer mental health challenges. He also found out more about the community payback scheme which has been carrying out work in the Town Park.

In the afternoon the High Sheriff went on a tour of the Town Centre with Harlow Community Policing Team taking in a visit to Changing Lives. The sheriff met 17 students who have just completed their 6 week leadership programme with the service. He then stopped off at Harlow Playhouse before visiting Safer Places. He ended his visit at the museum with a presentation on the work of Operation Raptor (drug networks, gangs and county lines) followed by a tour of the museum and the walled gardens.

Following his visit, Simon Brice DL, High Sheriff of Essex, said: “I was delighted to visit Harlow seeing some of the excellent facilities that they have like Pets’ Corner and the Playhouse, whilst hearing about the fantastic work being carried out by Changing lives and Safer Places. Thank you Harlow and to all the volunteers for an interesting day and for their time.”