Wiltshire's new High Sheriff has been sworn in at a ceremony which dates back to Saxon times.
Martin Nye took over the role from Dr Olivia Chapple on Friday, April 4, at St Martin’s Church, Bremhill, near Calne.
Around 80 guests attended the ceremony and reception.
Mr Nye, who has a broad-ranging business career, including several chief executive roles in private and public companies, now has a portfolio of non-executive and chair positions.
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He is chair of the Soil Association and a council member of the National Trust.
Mr Nye was chair of the Wiltshire Museum until 2024 and continues to be a trustee of the Devizes Assize Court Trust, which aims to revitalise the Assize Court as a new home for the museum.
He is also a trustee of Worldreader and the World of Books Foundation, both of which support literacy.
Mr Nye read history at the University of Cambridge.
Living on a farm in Foxham, near Chippenham, Mr Nye's wife, Victoria, breeds organic grass-fed beef shorthorn cattle and opens their garden for the National Gardens Scheme and to support local charities.
After a career in financial services, Victoria is active with charities and community projects in the county as a deputy lieutenant, a trustee of the Wiltshire Gardens Trust, the chair of the local farm cluster, and a school governor.
They have three adult children.
In addition to the customary role of supporting the judiciary, police, emergency services, and the voluntary sector, Mr Nye has chosen 'food' as his theme for the year.
He intends to explore all aspects of food, from farm to fork, and looks forward to meeting charities and other organisations working across the food sector.
The High Sheriff is the sovereign’s representative in the county for matters of law and order.
It is the oldest secular office in England and Wales after the Crown.
The term of office is for one year.
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High Sheriffs play an active role in upholding the principal parts of the constitution, including supporting members of the Royal family when visiting the county, the judiciary, police, prison service, and other law enforcement agencies, the emergency services, local authorities, and all recognised faith groups.
They also work closely with the voluntary sector in their wider role of helping maintain safe and stable communities.
The post is entirely voluntary and unpaid.
Mr Nye's appointment comes as the county continues to focus on maintaining law and order while also supporting various charities and organisations within the community.
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