THE HIGH SHERIFF ' S ROUND UP
THE HIGH SHERIFF ' S ROUND UP
We’ re pleased to welcome back The High Sheriff of Merseyside, Billy Hui, for his latest column in Wirral Life. Since taking office, Billy has been championing community spirit, celebrating local heroes, and giving readers a unique insight into life as our High Sheriff. In this issue, he shares highlights from his busy months— from charity events and royal visits to community celebrations— with the stories that make Merseyside truly special.
The run-up to the festive period 2025 was a busy time for High Sheriff duties and it was wonderful to be in attendance alongside High Sheriff Consort Kerry Berrisford at many events and dinners. Once again, we were honoured to meet new acquaintances, catch up with old ones and to make introductions.
Many of you will know that I was taken ill in September with a heart condition which came upon me suddenly. This meant that I had to unfortunately cancel some of my appointments and some of my work commitments with my choir. My apologies to you if I had to cancel at the last moment. Fortunately, I am back on my feet now and can resume normal service as regards my High Sheriff Duties and my work with my choir, SingMe Merseyside, radio show and entertainment. A huge thanks to the NHS medics and staff who looked after me and fixed me! They include my own GP, the Wirral Heart Unit at St Catherine’ s Hospital, UMAC( Urgent Medical Assessment Centre) at Arrowe Park Hospital and The Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.
Even with some cancellations, we still managed to undertake High Sheriff duties whenever possible. One of the main duties was the Merseyside Judge’ s Service to mark the start of the legal year. This was held in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and was extremely well attended. We were also invited to the same events in the neighbouring counties of Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire and had the opportunity to meet with our counterparts. Uniquely, we were all given permission to wear our full uniforms outside of our own counties for these occasions.
The High Sheriff is His Majesty’ s representative in all matters of Law and Order and therefore there is a strong connection with Merseyside Police and associated blue light services plus the judiciary and magistracy. It was wonderful to attend various events hosted by these organisations including a magistrates association dinner in Blackburne House and The Merseyside Police Community First Awards, to name but two. We were also honoured to be part of Liverpool’ s Remembrance Parade at St George’ s Hall plus we were invited to a small service of Remembrance for Merseyrail at their memorial in James Street Station.
I have also had a chance to visit my old school, Wirral Grammar School for Boys, as part of their prize giving event and to deliver a talk about the role of The High Sheriff to the lower and upper sixth students. The school has welcomed me back with open arms and I will continue to support them with prize giving, talks and activities in 2026 and beyond.
Happy New Year to each and every one of you! May 2026 bring you the best in health, luck and happiness.
Billy Hui BEM DL High Sheriff of Merseyside 2025 / 26
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