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The new High Sheriff of Dorset, Dr Helena Conibear DL (centre), pictured with the CEO and Principal of Coastland College, Kate Wills, and the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley
Coastland College was proud to host the official Declaration of Dr Helena Conibear DL as the new High Sheriff of Dorset for 2026–27, at its Weymouth Campus on Friday 20th March, welcoming almost 200 guests from across the county and beyond.
The event celebrated the High Sheriff’s chosen theme for her year in office, ‘Youth Opportunity’, with students and young people contributing to several elements of the day.
Guests were welcomed to a formal declaration ceremony at the College’s Bay Theatre, followed by a reception of canapés and refreshments prepared and served by the talented Catering & Hospitality students in the College’s Avenue Restaurant.
Floral design students from Coastland’s Kingston Maurward Campus also contributed with decorations for the ceremony, while Military Preparation students attended in unform, and pupils of Atlantic Academy on Portland helped with a collection in aid of the Dorset Shrieval Charity.
Dr Conibear wore a custom-made High Sheriff’s court dress designed by Arts University Bournemouth student Emma Jones, and was joined at the event by her appointed St John Ambulance Cadet and Police Cadet.
The theme ‘Youth Opportunity’ was further celebrated with a showcase of local youth organisations holding stalls during the reception.
The declaration ceremony in Coastland College’s Bay Theatre, with Dr Helena Conibear accepting office as the High Sheriff of Dorset, with outgoing High Sheriff Callum Bremner pictured far left
The event brought together civic and community leaders from across Dorset and further afield, including the High Sheriffs of Bristol and Somerset; Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Michael Dooley; West Dorset MP Edward Morello, the Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Caroline Nickinson; the Deputy Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Robin Potter; the Dean of Salisbury, The Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos; the Bishop of Sherborne, the Right Reverend Karen Gorham; Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick; and the Chair of Dorset Council, Cllr Stella Jones MBE.
Kate Wills, Principal and CEO of Coastland College, said: “We are incredibly proud to have hosted such a prestigious and meaningful event at our Weymouth Campus. Helena’s focus on youth opportunity aligns closely with our mission as a college – to equip young people with the skills, confidence and support they need to succeed.
“It was inspiring to see so many organisations come together to champion opportunities for young people across Dorset, and we are delighted our students could play a key role in delivering such a special occasion.”
Appointed by His Majesty King Charles III on March 10th, Dr Conibear takes on the role of High Sheriff from Callum Bremner.
The High Sheriff is the oldest secular office in England, dating back to the 7th century when King Ine of Wessex (688-695) appointed a Sur man or Shire Reeve to resolve disputes. High Sheriff’s accumulated huge powers, raising taxes, laying down the law of the land and raising militia.
Today, it is a non-political, voluntary position focused on representing the royal family and supporting the judiciary, police and other law enforcement agencies, the emergency services, local authorities, and church and faith groups. In addition, the High Sheriff is expected to play an active role in supporting and promoting the voluntary sector, particularly those involved with crime reduction and social cohesion.
Dr Helena Conibear greeting guests at the event, including Dr Chloe Casey and Professor Joanne Holmes from Bournemouth University, which awarded the new High Sheriff with an Honourary Doctorate of Education for services to prevention, early intervention and health education
Speaking about her appointment, Dr Conibear said: “Put simply, the High Sheriff’s role is to champion all that keeps us safe in Dorset – representing the judiciary, emergency services and the maintenance of law and order in our wonderful county. Dorset ranks as one of the safest places to live in England, thanks to the dedication of those I am so proud to represent.”
As founder of The Talk About Trust drug education charity, Helena will use her year in office to champion organisations that provide young people with the education, resilience, life skills and hope they need to thrive.
As part of her personal mission, Dr Conibear will undertake a 200-mile walk around Dorset’s county boundary to raise awareness of county lines drug exploitation and fundraise with a target of £10,000 for the Dorset Shrieval Charity, which supports grassroots organisations through small grants. The initiative aims to highlight the risks faced by vulnerable young people who are groomed into criminal activity.
She said: “If we do not invest in them and our young people, then the tragic cycle of violence, crime, disorder deprivation and substance dependency continues and grows.
“The greatest horror of the drugs trade is the exploitation and grooming of children, what we’ve come to name county lines. In this county we have victims as young as 8 who are lured with gifts or friendship often by peers, who are victims themselves, before being trapped into delivering or dealing drugs.
Helena is inviting support from communities across Dorset, encouraging people to walk alongside her, offer accommodation, or host events along the route.
For more information about the Office of the High Sheriff, visit www.highsheriffs.com or to support Helena’s fundraising efforts, email highsheriffofdorset@gmail.com
Catering and Hospitality students and staff at Coastland College’s Avenue Restaurant, pictured with the new High Sheriff after serving refreshments for almost 200 guests