Dudson - Tableware, Glassware and Cutlery specialists to the Hotel and Restaurant industries

Ian Dudson is new High Sheriff Ian Dudson has been appointed High Sheriff

Appointment for Dudson Chairman

12 July 2010

Mr. Ian Dudson CBE DL, Chairman of the Stoke-on-Trent based ceramics manufacturer, Dudson Ltd. has been named High Sheriff of Staffordshire.

During a fifteen minute ceremony at Stafford Crown Court, a warrant of Mr. Dudson's appointment made on behalf of The Queen and signed by the Clerk of the Privy Council, was read out by Paul Slater, under-Sheriff of Staffordshire.  Mr. Dudson confirmed his acceptance of the honour in front of Justice of the Peace Helen Morris, before receiving the good wishes of the outgoing High Sheriff, Mr. Richard Haszard.

Dating from Saxon times, the Office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular Office in the UK after the Crown, and has existed for more than 1,000 years, since the 'Shires' were formed. Many of the original duties of this office have since been taken over by the Lord Lieutenant, but the High Sheriff still remains The Queen's representative in the county for the judicial system.  The person appointed to the role has to have strong links to the county and has the opportunity to support organisations in the public sector as well as local charities. Mr. Dudson was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire in 2001 and among his many activities in North Staffordshire he is the Honorary President of the Douglas MacMillan Hospice and the Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council at Keele University.

Speaking about his appointment, Mr. Dudson said "It is a fantastic honour to have been invited and I am thoroughly enjoying what is a very diverse and interesting role."  

Currently, he is part-way through the Canal Challenge, his campaign to walk around 150 miles of canals in Staffordshire, raising money for the Staffordshire Community Foundation. Based at the Dudson Centre, Hanley, on the site of the original Dudson Pottery, the Foundation administers the High  Sheriff Fund, making donations to organisations in Staffordshire.

To find out more about the Canal Challenge or to make a donation to the High Sheriff Fund, please click here