IN a ceremony dating back to Saxon times, Martin Nye was sworn in as Wiltshire's new High Sheriff on 4th April 2025.
Mr Martin Nye made his Declaration at St Martin's Church, Bremhill, nr Calne, taking over from Dr Olivia Chapple. Around 80 guests attended the ceremony and reception.
The High Sheriff is a non-political, independent, and unpaid office holder appointed by the Sovereign for a single year. While the office has ancient origins, the role is largely ceremonial and representative today. High Sheriffs are responsible for maintaining the loyalty of subjects to the Crown, proclaiming the accession of a new Sovereign, and supporting the work of the judiciary. They also support and encourage voluntary and statutory organisations engaged in law and order, including crime prevention agencies, emergency services, and the voluntary sector.
Mr Martin Nye has had a broad-ranging business career, including several chief executive roles in private and public companies, and now has a portfolio of non-executive and chair positions. He is chair of the Soil Association, and a Council member of the National Trust. He 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 a trustee of Worldreader and the World of Books Foundation, both of which support literacy. He read History at the University of Cambridge.
Martin lives on a farm in Foxham near Chippenham where his 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, Martin has chosen as his theme for the year "Food", to encompass all aspects of food from farm to fork. He looks forward to meeting charities and other organisations working across the food sector.
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