New Isle of Wight High Sheriff appointed in Cowes

Kay Marriott, of Cowes, took up the role, and said her theme for the year would be "inspire to aspire".

Kay was born on the Island, educated at Cowes High School, and became a qualified nurse in 1978. 

Highly respected in her profession, she has a BSc (Hons) in clinical practice, is an associate of the faculty of family planning and reproductive healthcare, and a nurse prescriber. 

Kay led the Genital Urinary Medicine department to be one of the first in the country to become an award winning, integrated sexual health service.

She later became head of nursing and clinical director for the then Community Directorate on the Island, and supported Portsmouth University as an NVQ Assessor.

These transferable leadership and management skills were then put to good use as a company secretary for Marriott Design, working with her husband, Brian, where she gained extensive business and marketing experience.

After 45 years with the NHS, Kay had planned to retire, but has since been involved in numerous Covid-related programmes — most recently the St Mary’s Hospital vaccination hub.

"I feel extremely humbled and privileged to have been chosen to be the Island’s High Sheriff for the forthcoming year," said Kay.

"I promise to raise awareness to this important ceremonial role in our community, continuing the High Sheriff’s role in crime prevention.

"Equally, I will be doing all I can to raise the profile of organisations which support my theme within the community.

"My theme, inspire to aspire, aims to highlight the work of people and organisations who dedicate their time to supporting young people at risk, and to inspire others to play a part.

"However, it is not just about young people.

"The role one person can have in changing the course of our lives cannot be underestimated.

"We can all be positive role models, give our time volunteering or acknowledging others, and make a difference to the Island community in some way — to make it a better place to live and enjoy.”

Kay will also be promoting the High Sheriff’s Trust — a fund which has supported more than 200 Island charities, groups and individuals on the Island.

Donations to the High Sheriff’s Trust are distributed to worthy causes, those who make a difference to the Island community in some way, that make it a better place to live and enjoy.

Details how to donate can be found on the HS website.

Meanwhile, two new Deputy Lieutenants have been appointed to serve on the Isle of Wight.

Richard Priest and Didi Nicholson will assist the Lord-Lieutenant in her work. 

From 1995 to 2015, Richard managed the Riverside Centre in Newport, as well as being chair of Medina Housing Association, a school governor, and he is actively involved locally and nationally with charities such as Community Action (IW) and ACRE.

Richard remains involved with town councils on the Island, as well as with Shanklin Voluntary Youth and Community Centre, and his interests include football and cricket, sports writing and making local history films.

Didi has a strong background in the charitable sector and is currently a trustee of both the Royal Yacht Squadron Foundation and the Island Careers Partnership.

She is also a churchwarden of Mottistone Church and was, from 2015 to 2020, the chair of governors at Brighstone Primary School.