The Shrieval Team

The High Sheriff is supported by a dedicated Shrieval Team, a group of committed volunteers who assist in fulfilling the ceremonial, civic, and community-focused duties of the role. This team includes individuals who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, helping to coordinate events, maintain traditions, and engage with local communities. The Shrieval Team’s work ensures that the High Sheriff can connect meaningfully with people across Oxfordshire, supporting initiatives that promote safety, wellbeing, and community spirit. Their dedication underpins the success of the Shrievalty, making a lasting impact on those they serve.

David Miles - Under Sheriff

Under the Sheriffs Act of 1887, the High Sheriff is legally required to appoint an Under Sheriff. This appointment is made annually, and within a month of taking office, the High Sheriff must provide the Queen’s Remembrancer with the details of their appointed Under Sheriff. Typically, this happens during the new High Sheriff’s Declaration of Office.

The Under Sheriff plays a crucial role in ensuring continuity. They offer valuable advice to incoming High Sheriffs and sometimes assist with secretarial duties. Their knowledge of court protocols and experience in ceremonial matters are key assets. Most Under Sheriffs are also members of the High Sheriffs’ Association.

David Miles is the current Under Sheriff. David held a Regular Commission in the Army before qualifying as a Solicitor. He was a Partner in Glovers, a Mayfair firm, and specialised in Construction Law. He was heavily involved in the promotion and teaching of Mediation, being a founding Director of CEDR – The Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution. Subsequently he became a Consultant with Blake Morgan LLP in Oxford specialising in Privy Council Appeals.

Email: drm.undersheriff@gmail.com

HH Patrick Eccles KC - Shrieval Remembrancer

The Shrieval Remembrancer plays a key role in supporting the High Sheriff in their ceremonial, civic, and community duties. The term "Remembrancer" originates from historical roles where a Remembrancer would "remember" important matters or obligations, acting as a link between various organisations and the High Sheriff.

He provides administrative support, helping to manage the High Sheriff’s schedule of most formal events and ensures that official duties are carried out smoothly

He advises on Protocol and Tradition. The Remembrancer is knowledgeable in the traditions, legal customs, and protocols associated with the Shrievalty and the Law, helping the High Sheriff navigate the ceremonial aspects of the role

Essentially, the Shrieval Remembrancer is a trusted advisor and coordinator, helping the High Sheriff fulfil their responsibilities effectively and uphold the dignity of the office.

Patrick Eccles, born in Warrington, Cheshire, read law at Oxford University under the guidance of Sir Richard Buxton, later a judge of the Court of Appeal. He settled in Oxford in 1984 and was appointed to the county court rule committee in 1986, became a Recorder in 1987, and served as an assistant parliamentary boundary commissioner in 1992. Judge Eccles retired from the Oxford Bench in 2017. A lover of opera, theatre, and both classical and popular music, he also enjoys playing tennis, watching football and rugby, and walking.

Anne Gow - Chaplain to the High Sheriff

The Chaplain to the High Sheriff offers spiritual support and pastoral guidance throughout the shrieval year, helping to connect matters of justice and public service with faith, reflection, and compassion.

Anne Gow, known to many as ‘Farmer Gow’, is a sixth-generation farmer, former Army Captain, and passionate advocate for rural life and environmental education. She founded Farmer Gow’s in 2002, following the success of her earlier ‘Lambing at Appleton’ open days. Her contributions to countryside conservation and education have earned recognition from both the Oxford Preservation Trust and CPRE. Anne continues to welcome families and schools to her farm in Longcot, near Faringdon, where she shares her love of nature and learning.

Anne is also an Elder at Cumnor United Reformed Church. Her faith journey began there as a child with her grandmother, Marie Cornish, and later continued at Trinity Church in Abingdon, where she was received into membership. After worshipping in churches across the UK and abroad, returning to Cumnor with her aunt Wyn Cornish has been a deeply joyful experience. Anne also represents the congregation through the Oxford Friends of Hope & Faith School in Zambia, and brings warmth, wisdom, and a deep sense of service to her role as Chaplain to the High Sheriff.

Mark Johnson - Chamberlain and Shrieval Coordinator

Mark Johnson was born and raised in London, where he was educated in Ealing. His early career was in retail, working for a number of well-known high street names—brands that were once staples of British shopping but have sadly since disappeared. In later years, he moved into asset surveying, bringing the same eye for detail to a very different field. Mark moved to Oxfordshire a little over five years ago, is married to John, and plays a vital supporting role in his public life. As Chamberlain to the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Mark’s responsibilities include managing the Shrieval diary and correspondence, supporting ceremonial duties, and ensuring the smooth running of the High Sheriff’s engagements—an essential partner in both the formal and personal aspects of the role.

Shaun Kendall - Lead volunteer for Cadets

Shaun Kendall brings a wealth of professional and voluntary experience to his role supporting the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire. With over 30 years’ experience in the automotive industry—including senior roles in IT project management, HR change management, and training operations—Shaun has worked both in the UK and abroad, most notably as Operations Manager at the BMW Group Academy UK, where he was part of the senior management team delivering a robust national training strategy. Alongside his professional career, Shaun has held a number of senior voluntary appointments within Scouting in Oxfordshire, reflecting his long-standing commitment to supporting young people. In his current role, he is leading on the year-round support for the High Sheriff’s Cadets, ensuring they are well-prepared, valued, and integrated into the ceremonial and civic life of the Shrieval year. With strong expertise in project, operations, and event management—as well as a warm, collaborative style—Shaun continues to make a significant contribution, even as he enjoys what he calls a "try-out" at retirement.

Nicholas Posner - Shrieval Photographer

Nicholas Posner serves as the volunteer Shrieval Photographer, bringing decades of experience and artistic sensitivity to capturing the life and work of the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire. For over 40 years, Nicholas has combined his medical career with a passion for photography, which began in his teens when he started documenting high-profile events. His exceptional talent has led to 18 of his portraits being accepted by the National Portrait Gallery, and he has had the rare honour of photographing five former prime ministers. Professionally, Nicholas was a GP partner in Newcastle upon Tyne and, since relocating to Oxford, now serves part-time as a medical member of the Tribunal service. His thoughtful presence and keen eye ensure that the Shrieval year is documented with elegance, depth, and care.

High Sheriff's Cadets

This year, the Oxfordshire Shrievalty is proud to appoint four outstanding young people as High Sheriff’s Cadets, drawn from our county’s civil youth organisations. Sofia (St John Ambulance), Emily (Scouts), Isabella (Girlguiding), and Kayla (Police Cadets) have each demonstrated exceptional commitment, integrity, and a strong sense of public service. As Cadets, they will support the High Sheriff at key events throughout the year and act as ambassadors for their organisations and for young people across Oxfordshire. Their appointments recognise not only their individual achievements but also the vital role that youth leadership plays in strengthening our communities.