High Sheriff of Oxfordshire – Swearing in Ceremony – Amanda Ponsoby

The office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular office in country outside the monarchy. Today, the former very extensive powers which the office enjoyed have gone and the role involves a mix of ceremonial, charitable and community functions. The role is voluntary, unfunded and non-political.

Duties include:

Participating in civic and community events and functions
Offering encouragement to those who are engaged in supporting the voluntary sector and those most in need
Pursuing themes and initiatives which bring communities together and benefit the social fabric of the county.
Ensuring the well-being of High Court Judges when in Oxfordshire

High Sheriff in Nomination

Amanda Ponsonby lives on a farm near Chipping Norton with her husband Rupert.  They have three children.

She worked in Westminster for 14 years, first in the House of Commons for Sir Geoffrey Howe, then in the Political office followed by the Private Office at 10 Downing Street during Margaret Thatcher’s premiership.  On leaving the political world, she moved to North Oxfordshire and worked for Sir Crispin Tickell, Warden of Green College in Oxford.  She has been a Governor of Oundle School and was Chairman of its Primary School, Laxton Junior. She now helps run The Rectory Society.

Since moving to Oxfordshire, Amanda has been involved in a large number of local community organisations in North Oxfordshire and runs the family farm enterprise.