"A previous Sheriff had to ride on horseback from the Council House up to the Castle as part of his duties. That doesn’t have to happen every year, but it’s something I’d be very happy to do if it came up."
What’s been the least enjoyable thing?
It might sound a bit twee, but it hasn’t really happened yet. I think I’ve been very fortunate and enjoyed it all so far.
Do you wear your official robes out much?
I do. It’s part of my official duty and I’m happy to say that I think I’ve looked pretty good in them so far. I have the black robes to use when I go up to the castle and raise the flag.
Are there any odd quirky things about the post?
Tony Robinson - not Baldrick, but a previous Sheriff - had to ride on horseback from the Council House up to the Castle as part of his duties. That doesn’t have to happen every year, but it’s something I’d be very happy to do if it came up.
Are you originally from Notts?
I am. I was born and bred just around the corner on Peel Street where I grew up with my father. These days I live on the Aspley/Broxtowe estate with my family.
Have you had many dealings with previous Sheriffs?
Yes. I’ve been really well supported by some of my predecessors. John Hartshorne is someone I’ve worked with as a councillor over the years and he’s been the Sheriff twice so he has a good idea of what the post entails. Then there are women who have been the sheriff before me like Joan Casson who have been supportive too. I also sometimes go to meetings with the various other Sheriffs around the country such as the Sheriffs of Lincoln and Birmingham.
You’re not the first lady Sheriff, then?
No, I’m the fifth. The first one was in 1931 and a lady called Caroline Margaret Arthur. She must have been very special because at that time it’s almost certain that the post was considered to be a male one.
Do you think that Alan Rickman did your role justice in Prince of Thieves?
Yes I do. I think he was brilliant. He brought the city a lot of attention and tourism by being so good in the role. I’m looking forward to the new series that starts on the BBC in September. I’d like to get in on that production and get a part as an old woman in the background or something. Just think, they could get the actual Sheriff of Nottingham a part in the series…
Do you know much about this new production then?
Not that much. I’ve been told that there isn’t going to be a Friar Tuck in it, which I think is a bit of a shame.
How important is tourism to Nottingham’s economy?
It’s vital. We do get a lot of tourism, a lot of people coming over to England from other countries and continents just to find out more about Robin Hood.
Do you think that the Slanty N campaign was a deliberate attempt to move away from the legend of Robin Hood?
No, not really. I think Nottingham will always be intrinsically related to Robin Hood, but that was just an attempt to highlight some other aspects of what goes on in the city too, things like our local sports teams and facilities, the nightlife in the city and the shopping centre.
Did you catch any of Drop In The Ocean on 11 June?
I didn’t because I was at another public event, but I heard all about it. It’s really pleasing to see people in the city get together and make things happen for a good cause. Proof positive that Nottingham people are very generous and good hearted.
Where do you go for a night out in the city when you’re off duty?
I’m not a nightclubber. I go in Langtrys a bit because you can have a good chat in there without being disturbed. I always like going to the pantomime as well. It’s a good place to take the family.
Do you feel safe going out in Nottingham?
Absolutely. I’ve never felt unsafe going out in the city. I know it’s had problems in the past, but that’s definitely because of a small minority. This is my home and I’ll always feel safe here.
What’s been your favourite portrayal of Robin Hood?
When I was a child I used to like watching Richard Greene.
What would you say to cities like Doncaster and Sheffield who keep trying to claim Robin Hood for themselves?
It’s a load of rubbish and you’re not having him! You ask anyone where Robin Hood comes from and they’ll all give you the same answer…
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