The new High Sheriff of Lancashire will be Mr John Barnett DL, MBE, from Blackpool.
John Barnett will be the first Jewish High Sheriff of Lancashire.
John is a well-known figure in Blackpool where he has lived all his life. He was instrumental in the creation of Radio Wave 96.5 FM.
The High Sheriff elect has appointed Rabbi Ephraim Guttentag, of St Annes Hebrew Congregation, as Rabbi to the High Sheriff. He has also appointed Revd Chris Newlands, Vicar of Lancaster, to be his Chaplain for 2016/17.
The new High Sheriff will be sworn in at County Hall in Preston on Friday, 8th April, with his Rabbi and Chaplain in attendance.
There will be a Service of Thanksgiving at Lancaster Priory on 20th May at 11.00 am when Rabbi Guttentag will give the address. Again, this is the first time that an Orthodox Rabbi has preached in Lancaster Priory. Ephraim Guttentag and Chris Newlands have worked on the order of service together so that it is acceptable to both Jewish and Christian members of the congregation.
The service is public, and open to all, and it is hoped that many people from the local Jewish community will attend.
[pictured: John Barnett with wife Danielle and other members of his family]
Wow Hallelulia – good news.