Local businessman and charity supporter, Jo Pearson, has been appointed High Sheriff of Norfolk for 2026–27, becoming the first person from Thetford to hold this ancient office.
Jo with his wife Mandy at his Installation Ceremony Image: ©Georgie Pearson
Dating back over 1,000 years, the role is one of the oldest secular positions under the Crown. Today, 55 High Sheriffs serve across England and Wales as the Sovereign’s representatives, supporting the judiciary, police, emergency services, crime prevention initiatives, and a wide range of community and voluntary organisations.
Shortly before the ceremony, Jo’s appointment was formally confirmed at Buckingham Palace, where the King marked his name on vellum with a silver bodkin – a centuries-old tradition originating in the reign of Elizabeth I.
Joined by his wife Mandy, daughter Georgie, his parents, family and friends, Jo chose Thetford Grammar School’s historic Old School for his Declaration and Installation Ceremony in March. As a former pupil, Jo has a strong personal connection to the school, shared by his family, with five generations educated there.
Guests were welcomed by the outgoing Under Sheriff Jack Royall, who handed over the baton to the new Under Sheriff Julie Gowland as part of the proceedings.
The ceremony was also attended by the Lady Dannatt, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk and a former High Sheriff, who praised Jo as an exceptional individual and described the occasion as a proud day for Thetford. Outgoing High Sheriff Patrick Lines spoke of his year in office and encouraged Jo and his wife Mandy to embrace the year fully, advising them to listen to those on the frontline and shape the role in their own way.
Jo admitted he was surprised to be asked, but quickly accepted. Having been involved with the High Sheriff’s office for four years, he credited Under Sheriff Jack Royall for his guidance. Canon Bob Baker will act as his Chaplain for the year.
“I am deeply conscious that I am the latest in a very long line,” he said. “To be the first person from Thetford to be High Sheriff of Norfolk fills me with pride, not in myself, but where I come from, and in what this town and county mean to me.”
After four decades building his family’s waste management and recycling business, Jo now focuses on property interests and his extensive community involvement.
He currently serves as Chair of Trustees at Open Road Norfolk and Chair of Thetford Neighbourhood Board. He is a trustee at Dad’s Army Museum, a trustee and treasurer at Thetford Education Foundation Trust and Vice Chair of Thetford Business Forum. Previously, Jo was Vice Chair of Norfolk Community Foundation and the Zoological Society of East Anglia (Banham Zoo and Africa Alive), and Chair of Thetford Round Table and 41 Club. Jo also serves as a Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, a role he values deeply.
Since taking on the role, Jo has been actively engaged across the county in his duties as High Sheriff. His engagements have included visits to Norwich Crown Court and HMP Norwich, attendance at Norfolk County Council’s Chairman’s Reception, and a visit to Peerless Plastics in Thetford and Thetford Business Forum’s quarterly breakfast meeting. Jo has also attended the Lord Mayor’s Curry Lunch in the City of London and the Sheriff of Norwich’s Community Reception at Marble Hall at Surrey House.
